Dangerous thunderstorms rolling through southern Ontario Wednesday afternoon could produce multiple tornadoes in the region, Environment Canada warns. “There’s a good chance that were will be one or two brief tornado reports from somewhere across southwestern Ontario or southern Ontario by later this evening, and maybe we’ll see a couple more after the fact,” Rob Kuhn, severe weather meteorologist with the federal agency, told CTV News Toronto in an interview. An orange-level severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the area, with storms expected to develop mid- to late-afternoon ahead of an advancing cold front. Environment Canada warned that “damaging” wind gusts in excess of 110 km/h are possible, combined with as much as 50 millimetres of torrential rainfall and “quarter to ping pong size hail.” “If you’re driving in this, even in a non-severe thunderstorm or a really heavy shower, the rainfall rates will be really high, so be prepared for sudden, very low to almost zero visibility,” Kuhn said. Follow along here for live updates: TTC preparing for storm The TTC says it is prepared to adjust service later today based on weather and road conditions. In a statement, the transit agency says it is monitoring the weather and coordinating closely with city partners. The TTC says in the event of heavy rain or strong winds, it will ask operators to reduce speed, monitor subway and streetcar tracks for flooding, deploy staff to key locations, and divert buses or streetcars in low-lying areas where there is flooding. The transit agency adds that it will also ensure entrances, concourses, and outdoor platforms are free of water. The TTC notes that the increased service to the CNE will continue as planned. Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist Thunderstorm warning north of Toronto Many parts of York Region, including Newmarket, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill, are under a yellow warning. According to Environment Canada, as of 2 p.m., a line of severe thunderstorms has been located from Bradford to Tottenham and then to Shelburne and is moving east at 45 km/h. “Damaging wind gusts, loonie-to-ping-pong-ball-sized hail, and heavy rain are possible,” Environment Canada said. “Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are expected to produce damaging hail, wind or rain. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.” Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com journalist Toronto activates emergency operations centre The City of Toronto has activated its emergency operations centre ahead of the inclement weather. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said the emergency centre was activated due to “major” rainfall that is expected over the 24 hours. “City divisions and agencies, including transportation, shelter services, @TTChelps and emergency services are working together to monitor the situation and keep Torontonians safe,” Chow wrote in a post on social media on Wednesday morning. “We have a plan and it’s underway. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 911.” Codi Wilson, CP24.com journalist Air Canada warns of delays at Pearson, Billy Bishop airports Air Canada says flights at both Toronto Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Airport may be impacted by the storms. “Air Canada is monitoring the situation closely and is working to get you on your way safely and as quickly as possible,” the airline said in a post on its website. Travellers are encouraged to check their flight status before heading to the airport to see if their trip is affected. Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto journalist Possible disruptions for Hydro One customers Hydro One issued a statement Wednesday morning, warning of possible disruptions to service. “There is a risk of severe thunderstorms accompanied by high winds forecasted for parts of southern, central and eastern Ontario later today, along with the risk for tornados in some areas,” the statement read. “Customers are encouraged to prepare for potential power outages.” Codi Wilson, CP24.com journalist Storms expected to roll in around 3:30 p.m. CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter said the storms are expected to arrive at around 3:30 p.m. and will linger until around 8 p.m. “When that cold front comes down later today ahead of it and along it we are going to see some very strong storms,” he said. While thunderstorms are possible for parts of southwestern Ontario on Thursday but conditions should be clear in the GTA, Coulter said. Toronto will see a high of 28 C on Wednesday, feeling closer to 36 when factoring in the humidity. Thursday will see sunshine and high of 27 C. “Bright and beautiful” weather is on tap for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Coulter said. Codi Wilson, CP24.com journalist
