9:56 AM EDT Wednesday 24 July 2024 Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for: Ottawa North - Kanata - Orléans Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain. Hazards: Strong winds gusting up to 110 km/h Torrential downpours with 50 mm falling within an hour Nickel to golf ball sized hail Risk of a tornado Timing: Late this morning through this evening. Discussion: The main threats will be strong winds, torrential downpours and hail. There is also a risk of a tornado today, especially towards the Ottawa River Valley. 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. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Water-related activities may be unsafe due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water. 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. 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 .