1:53 PM EDT Saturday 17 August 2024 Severe Thunderstorm Warning in effect for: Niagara Falls - Welland - Southern Niagara Region At 1:52 PM EDT, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts and heavy rain. This severe thunderstorm is located 22 kilometres south of Long Beach, moving northeast at 50 km/h. Hazard: 90 km/h wind gusts. Locations impacted include: Fort Erie, Crystal Beach and Stevensville. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. 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 warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing 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 in Ontario, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm . For more information: ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency . Watches 10:58 AM EDT Saturday 17 August 2024 Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect for: Niagara Falls - Welland - Southern Niagara Region Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain. Hazards: 90 km/h wind gusts. Toonie size hail. Heavy downpours. There is a risk of tornadoes. Timing: Today through this evening. Discussion: Thunderstorms have developed that may be capable of producing 90 km/h wind gusts and toonie size hail. Rainfall rates of 40 mm are possible with these thunderstorms. Refer to the Special Weather Statement in effect for details on rainfall totals. Should conditions for the development of tornadoes improve this watch will be upgraded to a Tornado Watch. These storms will dissipate this evening as daytime heating comes to an end. 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. 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 . Statements 11:11 AM EDT Saturday 17 August 2024 Special Weather Statement in effect for: Niagara Falls - Welland - Southern Niagara Region 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 .