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The London region could see severe thunderstorms that may lead to tornadoes throughout the day on Saturday.
Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for London and other parts of Southwestern Ontario including portions of Middlesex, Oxford and Perth counties.
“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms, which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible,” the national weather agency says.
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Possible tornadoes could bring wind gusts up to 90 kilometres/hour and toonie-sized hail, with the storms expected to last until Saturday evening after daytime heat begins to ebb, Environment Canada says
“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches,” Environment Canada says.
In the event of a tornado, Environment Canada offered safety instructions that included going indoors to a room on the lowest floor possible, staying away from walls and windows and leaving mobile homes, vehicles, tents and trailers.
The London region’s conservation authority also urged the public to stay away from waterways, warning that Friday’s rainfall, combined with the 30 to 60 millimetres expected over the weekend, had created potentially dangerous conditions.
“No significant flooding is expected with this event; however, river flows in local waterways will be higher than normal for this time of year,” officials with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority said in a statement. “This increases the risk of flooding in low-lying areas near watercourses and in urban areas if drainage systems are overwhelmed.”
The rainy weather was expected to last for the rest of the weekend before sunshine returns for most of next week, with daytime highs about 20 C.
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