Most of Northeastern Ont. under a severe thunderstorm watch

Many areas in northeastern Ontario are under a severe thunderstorm watch – with some now under severe thunderstorm warnings, Environment Canada said Saturday.

Many areas in northeastern Ontario are under a severe thunderstorm watch – with some now under severe thunderstorm warnings, Environment Canada said Saturday.

Timmins and surrounding communities are under a thunderstorm warning with significant rainfall expected.

“Thunderstorm development is expected today northeast and east of Lake Superior,” the alert from Environment Canada said.

“Some of these thunderstorms may become severe with strong wind gusts and hail as the primary threats.”

The strength of these thunderstorms is highly dependent on how much clearing of clouds takes place during the day. The main risks associated with these storms are strong winds and hail.

“Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles,” said Environment Canada meteorologists.