Toronto and parts of southern Ontario are expected to see severe thunderstorms this afternoon that could be capable of producing tornadoes, Environment Canada warned. Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch, orange alert, for the GTA with rainfall amounts that could reach 50 millimetres on Wednesday. “Thunderstorms are expected to develop mid-to-late this afternoon along and ahead of an advancing cold front,” the watch read. “There still remains some uncertainty with how strong thunderstorms could become due to some lingering cloud cover across the region which could inhibit how much instability builds in.” Models and observational data still suggest a “severe weather threat” is on the horizon. “The primary concern with any thunderstorms will be for strong and potentially damaging winds along with large hail and torrential rain,” the national weather agency said. “That being said, conditions could become favourable for some thunderstorms to be able to produce a tornado.” Environment Canada warned of the possibility of utility outages and “significant damage to property, buildings, and trees.” 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.” 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. Thunderstorm 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. Hydro One also issued a statement on Wednesday, 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.”
