Winds, heavy rain prompt brief tornado warnings in northern Ont. Saturday evening

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7-Day weather forecast for northeastern Ontario

Red Cross: "Be Prepared-Know Your Risks"

Update:

As of 7 p.m. on Saturday, Environment Canada had ended its tornado-related alerts in northeastern Ontario, while several parts of the region continued to experience heavy rainfall and high winds later into the evening, all storm-related alerts were lifted overnight.

As of Sunday morning, CTV News has not received any reports of funnel clouds in the areas affected by the tornado warnings.

Radar images show some pockets of severe weather and storm activity across parts of northern Ontario between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. on July 12, though they indicate only brief intensities.

If you have pictures of Saturday’s storm, send them to us at [e-mail].

Original story:

Tornado warning issued in northeastern Ontario

Environment Canada issued a tornado warning Saturday evening for the Temiskaming Shores and Temagami regions as severe thunderstorms capable of producing a tornado swept through the area.

Tornado possible

At 5:27 p.m., meteorologists confirmed they were tracking a dangerous storm system that could spawn tornadoes, along with damaging winds, large hail, and intense rainfall.

Impacted areas include Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park, Smoothwater Lake, Makobe Lake and Banks Lake.

“Tornadoes could be wrapped in rain and may not be visible. Do not wait to see a funnel cloud,” the warning stated.

Residents were urged to take immediate shelter in a basement or interior room and avoid mobile homes or vehicles.

The weather agency emphasized the life-threatening risks, stating, “Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.”

Emergency Management Ontario echoed the urgency, advising people to “take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.”

Severe thunderstorm watches expand across northern Ontario

Alongside the tornado warning, Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm watches for multiple regions, warning of potential tornadoes, wind gusts up to 110 km/h, and heavy downpours. The affected areas include Parry Sound, Timmins and West Nipissing along with the communities of Cochrane, French River, Iroquois Falls, Killbear Park and Rosseau.

The watches, issued early Saturday afternoon, cautioned that “dangerous thunderstorms this afternoon and evening may be capable of producing severe wind gusts, a tornado, and heavy rain.” Those in exposed areas, such as campers or hikers, were deemed at higher risk.

“Utility outages are possible. Significant damage to property, buildings, and trees is possible,” the alert warned. Residents were advised to secure loose objects and seek sturdy shelter at the first sign of storms.

Safety precautions urged amid severe weather

Authorities stressed the importance of preparedness as the storms moved through the region. “Strong wind gusts can damage trees, buildings, and overturn vehicles,” the alerts noted, while also warning of flying debris and hail.

The weather agency reminded residents, “Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable for dangerous storms,” underscoring the need for vigilance as the system progressed.

Environment Canada urges the public to monitor for updates and report severe weather by email to [e-mail] or social media using #ONStorm.

More information on emergency preparedness is available on the Government of Ontario’s website.