Severe thunderstorm watches, warnings lifted in eastern Ontario

Storm clouds pass by the Peace tower and Parliament Hill Tuesday August 18, 2020 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Severe weather alerts have been called off after a string of intense storms moved through eastern Ontario Monday afternoon.

At 3:20 p.m., Environment Canada issued a tornado warning for Kemptville, Merrickville and other nearby communities. The warning was lifted about half an hour later.

A tornado warning was also issued for a few minutes in an area along the St. Lawrence River between Morrisburg and Long Sault.

It’s unclear if any tornadoes touched down.

A severe thunderstorm watch in Ottawa was lifted later in the afternoon.

Ottawa was drenched by rainshowers Monday morning as a system of unsettled weather moved across the region.

Environment Canada says 25.1 millimetres of rain fell at the Ottawa Airport between Sunday afternoon and late Monday morning. The Gatineau airport saw 33 mm over the same 24-hour period.

Ottawa weather

Environment Canada says there is a 40 per cent chance of showers this evening and a risk of a thunderstorm. Low 16 C.

Tuesday’s forecast has a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 26 C and a humidex of 32. The expected UV index is 9, or very high.

Wednesday’s outlook is partly cloudy with a high of 27 C and a 30 per cent chance of showers.

The average high this time of year is around 26 C.