Tornado watch in northeastern Ontario has ended

Calm on Wakomata Lake, east of Sault Ste. Marie, after powerful storm blew through the region on Sunday. Aug. 29/21 (14-year-old Brooklyn Gioia)

SUDBURY — Environment Canada says conditions Sunday afternoon and into the evening will produce weather favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms, which may produce tornadoes.

The tornado watch issued for several communities across the northeast including Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins and their surrounding areas is now over.

"This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation," read the alert issued just before 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.

"Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches."

Environment Canada also listed several potential hazards in the alert including:

Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.

Should the alert status be upgraded from a 'watch' to a 'warning,' and in the event of a tornado, Environment Canada recommends you take the following actions:

The tornado watch issued for surrounding communities outside major cities include Chapleau Elliot Lake – Ranger Lake, Kapuskasing-Hearst, Kirkland Lake – Temiskaming Shores – Temagami, Manitoulin – Blind River – Killarney, West Nipissing, Superior East region, and Cochrane.

CTV News will continue to provide updates as weather conditions change throughout the day.