Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Southwestern Ontario

Environment Canada issued a yellow severe thunderstorm warning for London and a red warning for Hamilton on Tuesday evening. The agency described the Hamilton storm as extremely dangerous and capable of producing destructive wind gusts. Severe storms prompted Environment Canada to issue tornado warnings for London and Brantford earlier Tuesday.

Those warnings were later lifted as the system moved east.

Canada said the storm system could produce wind gusts up to 110 km/h, quarter-sized hail and heavy rain. Meteorologists tracked a severe thunderstorm producing tornadoes near Burgessville and Springford moving east at 80 km/h. Alyssa Young, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said winds in excess of 90 km/h were the main threat.

She added that unusually warm temperatures over the past two days collided with an advancing cold front, creating conditions for severe weather.

Ontario recommends that residents take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. Young advised people inside to find an interior room away from glass or move to a basement if available. London Hydro reported several power outages across the city. Environment Canada warned that utility outages are likely and damage to roofs, fences, trees and temporary structures is possible.