Severe thunderstorms are in the forecast for several parts of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area on Saturday afternoon. Environment Canada is warning of conditions favourable for the development of storms that could bring strong winds, large hail, and heavy rain. A “yellow watch - severe thunderstorm,” updated by the national weather agency just after 2:30 p.m., is currently in effect for the following areas: Environment Canada says wind gusts could reach 90 km/h, with “quarter-size hail,” and possible heavy rainfall in the aforementioned areas. It is also saying that these storms could lead to power outages. People are being urged to secure loose objects and move indoors, if threatening weather approaches. “When thunder roars, go indoors,” it wrote, noting that lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Environment Canada says severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging hail, wind, or rain. Parts of York, Durham regions under thunderstorm warning Meteorologists with Environment Canada have also issued a yellow warning as they track a severe thunderstorm that could produce strong wind, hail, and heavy rain in Newmarket - Georgina - Northern York Region, Pickering - Oshawa - Southern Durham Region, and Vaughan - Richmond Hill - Markham. The agency says in Newmarket - Georgina - Northern York Region there is a storm moving eastward at 40 km/h that could bring 90 km/h wind gusts, quarter-size hail, and 15 to 50 mm of rain. Keswick, Mount Albert, Uxbridge, Sunderland, and Cannington are in the path of this storm. “Heavy rain may cause flash flooding and significant reductions to visibility. There is a risk of injury,” the agency said. In Pickering - Oshawa - Southern Durham Region, the storm could produce strong wind gusts, up to quarter size hail, and heavy rain, Environment Canada says. “Damage to roofs, fences, soft shelters or trees is likely. Heavy rain may cause flash flooding and significant reductions to visibility,” it said. “Large hail may cause significant damage and injury.” Meanwhile over in Vaughan - Richmond Hill - Markham, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing strong wind gusts, up to quarter size hail and heavy rain is being forecast. Located over King City, it is moving eastward at 45 km/h and could produce winds up to 90 km/h and quarter-size hail. The locations in the path of this thunderstorm are Vaughan, Aurora, Richmond Hill, and Markham. Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are expected to produce damaging hail, wind or rain, Environment Canada said. Take cover if severe weather approaches Both Environment Canada and Emergency Management Ontario recommends taking cover immediately if severe weather approaches, including thunderstorms. “If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail,” the agency said.
