Tornado warning issued for Ottawa region

A tornado warning has been issued in eastern Ontario as a severe thunderstorm moves over the region.

At 4:11 p.m., Environment Canada said meteorologists were tracking a thunderstorm that is “possibly producing a tornado” and that damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall are also possible.

The storm was located near Vars, and was moving northeast at approximately 65 km/h, the warning said.

By 4:23 p.m. the red warning-tornado was cancelled for Ottawa, but was in effect for the Prescott-Russell area.

The storm was located near Vars, and was moving northeast at approximately 65 km/h, the warning said.

Locations in the path of the storm included Hammond, Bourget, Plantagenet, Fournier, and Alfred, the warning said, as of 4:20 p.m.

“This is a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. Take cover immediately in a basement, interior room, or a sturdy shelter when threatening weather approaches,” Environment Canada said.

“If no shelter is available, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. If you are out on the water when threatening weather approaches, return to shore and seek shelter, if possible, or move directly away from the path of the tornado. Otherwise, wear your lifejacket, lie face down and protect your head.”

Environment Canada had earlier issued a yellow warning-severe thunderstorm for Ottawa, calling for torrential downpours and wind gusts of up to 110 km/h. That warning has since ended, but a yellow watch-severe thunderstorm remains in effect for Ottawa.

“The main hazards will be heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts. Local rainfall amounts in excess of 50 mm may occur for areas that receive multiple thunderstorms,” the weather agency said.

“The greatest likelihood for damaging wind gusts is expected to be over southwestern Ontario. A few instances of large hail are possible.”

The forecast calls for 15 to 20 mm of rain in Ottawa by tonight.

The rain is expected to end by midnight, according to Environment Canada.

A total of 177.8 mm of rain has already been recorded at the Ottawa International Airport weather station this month, including a record 118.4 mm of rain on Canada Day.

Forecast

Environment Canada says showers will continue this afternoon. There is a risk of a thunderstorm. High 25 C with the humidex making it feel like 30.

Showers will end near midnight then cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers. Low 17 C.

Wednesday will be cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers in the morning. High 21 C.

Sunshine will return on Thursday. High 25 C.

The outlook for Friday will be sunny. High 27 C.

Saturday will see a mix of sun and cloud. High 29 C.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of 27 C and a low of 16 C.

• Hourly and 7-day forecast on our CTVNewsOttawa.ca weather hub