Update: Tornado warning ends for North Bay and area

Wind gusts up to 100 km/h are possible in the North Bay area, Environment Canada said Thursday, but a tornado warning issued around 5 p.m. has been lifted.

“At 5:19 p.m., Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing very strong wind gusts and heavy rain,” the warning said.

“This line of severe thunderstorms is located from Songis to Ravensworth, moving east at 85 km/h.”

The storms could create 100 km/h wind gusts and heavy downpours, leading to 50 mm of rain or more.

Locations impacted by the severe thunderstorm warning include: North Bay, McKellar, Dunchurch, Restoule Provincial Park, Restoule, South Bay Provincial Park, Nipissing, Mikisew Provincial Park, Burk’s Falls, South River, Powassan, Widdifield Forest Provincial Park and Jocko Rivers Provincial Park.

“Local utility outages are likely,” the warning said.

“Heavy rain may cause flash flooding and significant reductions to visibility. Take immediate cover if a thunderstorm approaches. If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail.”

Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are expected to produce damaging hail, wind or rain.

To report severe weather, send an email to [e-mail].

For more information on preparing for extreme weather, click here.