Environment Canada warns conditions are favourable for a possible tornado in Ottawa today

Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch for Ottawa and eastern Ontario, warning conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may produce tornadoes.

A tornado watch is in effect for Ottawa and parts of eastern Ontario.

Environment Canada warns "conditions are favourable" for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes.

"This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation," the weather agency said in a statement.

"Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches."

Environment Canada says there is the potential for wind gusts up to 100 km/h, "toonie to golf gall-size hail", heavy rain and the "risk of a tornado."

Ottawa could see rain and severe thunderstorms late this afternoon and into the evening.

The tornado watch covers Ottawa-Gatineau, Prescott-Russell, Renfrew-Arnprior-Calabogie, Petawawa-Pembroke-Cobden, and Smiths Falls-Perth and Eastern Lanark County.