4:50 PM EDT Friday 30 August 2024 Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for: Chatham-Kent - Rondeau Park Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and heavy rain. Hazards: Wind gusts up to 90 km/h. Heavy rain, 30 to 50 mm per hour. Risk of a tornado. Timing: Late this afternoon through this evening. Discussion: A cold front is expected to track east across the region this afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead and along this front. The main threats with these thunderstorms are strong wind gusts and heavy rain. Small hail is also possible. The threat of a tornado cannot be ruled out. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Heavy downpours are likely to cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors! Stay indoors when a thunderstorm strikes. There isn''t a place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm. Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall. 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 .