Severe thunderstorm warning, tornado watch in effect in Ottawa on Canada Day

Canadian Heritage suspended Canada Day events at LeBreton Flats and in Gatineau, as a severe thundertorm warning and a tornado watch are in effect for nation's capital on this muggy, cloudy Canada Day.

Mother Nature temporarily shutdown Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa, as a line of severe thunderstorms moved through the national capital region.

Canadian Heritage suspended events at LeBreton Flats and on Parliament Hill, while Canada Day festivities in the suburbs were temporarily postponed due to the rain.

A severe thunderstorm and a tornado watch are in effect for the nation's capital on this muggy, cloudy Canada Day.

"Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing very strong wind gusts, up to toonie size hail and heavy rain," the warning states.

"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."

Environment Canada says some areas could see more than 50 mm of rain an hour during the storm.

Canadian Heritage cancelled all afternoon events at LeBreton Flats, on Parliament Hill and in Hull due to the weather forecast.