With the start of a long weekend in May, Environment Canada issued warnings of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in parts of southern Ontario and Quebec.
In a series of public weather signals issued Saturday, Environment Canada said the weather conditions were “favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms” in those areas, including the Greater Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal areas.
The agency warns that strong gusts of wind can penetrate at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour and residents can expect large hailstones the size of nickel and tiny in certain regions.
“Heavy hail can damage property and cause injuries. Strong gusts of wind can throw loose objects, damage weak buildings, break tree branches and overturn large vehicles,” warned Environment Canada.
Shortly after the storm struck, police in the Toronto area reported numerous power outages, downed trees and traffic problems.
The agency said heavy rainfall was expected in southern Ontario and Quebec over the weekend. Because of these conditions, Environment Canada said it could not rule out the possibility of a tornado in some areas.
Environment Canada recommends that you cover up “immediately” if threatening weather approaches.
“Remember that strong thunderstorms can lead to tornadoes. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember that when there are thunderstorms, go indoors,” the agency said.
Heavy weather is forecast to move northeast through southern Ontario and Quebec, Michigan, where a tornado killed two people and injured 40 others on Friday.
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