11:31 AM EDT Saturday 17 August 2024 Tornado Watch in effect for: Woodstock - Tillsonburg - Oxford County Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible. Hazards: Tornadoes. 90 km/h wind gusts. Toonie size hail. Heavy downpours. Timing: Today through this evening. Discussion: Thunderstorms have developed that may be capable of producing tornadoes along with 90 km/h wind gusts and toonie size hail. Rainfall rates of 40 mm per hour are possible with these thunderstorms. Refer to the Special Weather Statement in effect for details on rainfall totals. These storms will dissipate this evening as daytime heating comes to an end. This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions: Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors! Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm . For more information: ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency . Statements 11:11 AM EDT Saturday 17 August 2024 Special Weather Statement in effect for: Woodstock - Tillsonburg - Oxford County Significant rainfall is expected through Sunday. Hazards: Local rainfall amounts of 30 to 60 mm. Rainfall rates of up to 40 mm in an hour. Timing: Continuing this afternoon through Sunday. Discussion: Rain will continue into Sunday. Locally higher amounts in thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening. This weather pattern typically brings rapidly changing conditions between sunny skies and heavy downpours. Rainfall warnings may be required and issued on short notice to reflect rapidly changing conditions. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. For information concerning flooding, please consult your local Conservation Authority or Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry office. Visit Ontario.ca/floods for the latest details. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm .