Severe thunderstorm warning for Timmins, watches for Sudbury, North Bay, West Nipissing, tornado warning ended

Environment Canada is tracking a severe thunderstorm Friday evening that is capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain across the northeast region.

Environment Canada is tracking a severe thunderstorm Friday evening that is capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain across the northeast region. The tornado warning has ended in the North Bay area.

“Damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall are also possible,” said a warning from the weather forecaster.

“This line of severe thunderstorms is located from 9 kilometres southeast of Iroquois Falls to 20 kilometres northwest of Kirkland Lake to Penassi Lake, moving northeast at 70 km/h.”

Nickel to twoonie size hail could be produced. Locations under warnings as of 9:20 p.m. include: Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kirkland Lake, Englehart River Fine Sand Plain and Waterway Provincial Park, Esker Lakes Provincial Park, Penassi Lake, Holtyre, Sesekinika Lake, Kenogami Lake, Glenvale, Round Lake, Northlands Park, Howard Lake, Grassy Lake, North Arm, Verna Lake, Misema Lake, Beaver House Lake and Kinabik Lake.

“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” the warning said.

“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. 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. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.”

Severe thunderstorm watches are also in effect in areas near Greater Sudbury, North Bay, West Nipissing, Powassan, Mattawa, French River, Temiskaming Shores and Temagami.