Lightning on Darrell Ln. during a thunderstorm August 14, 2015 (Photo courtesy of Rachel Hoekstra)Lightning on Darrell Ln. during a thunderstorm August 14, 2015 (Photo courtesy of Rachel Hoekstra)
Chatham

Thunderstorms On The Way Could Produce Isolated Tornado

It is not a big risk, but Environment Canada Meteorologist Peter Kimbell admits there is a chance thunderstorms Thursday could produce an isolated tornado.

The Weather Network first reported the possibility Thursday morning and Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch before 11am.

"It is a bit early for that kind of severe weather, but severe weather in the month of April isn't unheard of," says Kimbell.

However, he is more concerned about the risk of damaging winds in excess of 90 km/h across Southern Ontario.

Storms moving into the region could also produce large hail and flash flooding.

"Rainfall is not our big concern because [the storms] should be moving fairly quickly," says Kimbell. "But, we are also aware there's a lot of rain already in the ground."

As of 10am, the temperature had already reached 23 C (73 F) in northern Ohio. Kimbell says the warmer it gets; the more likely the thunderstorms will be severe.

The system should pass southwestern Ontario by later this evening.

With its passage, temperatures are expected to drop to 7 C (45 F) overnight and only peak at 10 C (50 F) Friday.

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