Parts of southern Ontario under severe thunderstorm watch

Ominous clouds are seen in this file photo. (David T. Chapman/Twitter)

Much of southern and central Ontario was under a severe thunderstorm warning Wednesday night as residents braced for possible rainfall, hail and intense winds.

Environment Canada issued the thunderstorm alerts for most of the GTA and cottage country.

Several communities were under tornado warnings around the dinner hour, but the alerts were cancelled throughout the evening.

There were unconfirmed reports of a tornado near Lake Couchiching in central Ontario. Photos of funnel clouds and darkened skies over parts of Ontario were also shared over social media.

The Orillia OPP communications centre had be evacuated after weather affected equipment operations, according to Sgt. Dave Woodford.

Residents living in areas under active weather alerts are being urged to monitor weather conditions as the storm could produce large hail, damaging winds or torrential downpours, Environment Canada said.