Tornado Warning Issued Southwest of Ottawa Due to Thunderstorms

Environment Canada tracked a severe thunderstorm southwest of Ottawa that was “possibly producing a tornado. By 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, it had been downgraded to a severe thunderstorm watch.

Additionally, severe thunderstorm watches were issued for all of eastern Ontario and western Quebec.

Scattered storms across the region on Wednesday afternoon prompted tornado warnings around Hawkesbury and Bancroft.

Severe thunderstorm watches surrounded Ottawa-Gatineau, extending to the east and southwest. As of 8:21 p.m. on Wednesday, a severe thunderstorm warning remained in place southeast of Ottawa.

Environment Canada warned that the storms could produce strong wind gusts, large hail, and up to 50 millimeters of rain within an hour.

People are reminded of the dangers of severe weather and advised to take cover if threatening conditions approach.

In the event of a tornado, it is recommended to avoid exterior walls and windows, move to a basement or the ground floor, and get out of vehicles.

A tornado watch is issued when a storm with conditions that could produce a tornado is approaching. A warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or when there is sufficient evidence to suggest one is imminent.

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are likely to produce large hail, damaging winds, or torrential rainfall, and they are upgraded to warnings when these weather elements become more certain.