A collision involving hot, humid air and an approaching cold front prompted a severe thunderstorm watch for much of southwestern Ontario on Friday.
Environment Canada issued the severe thunderstorm watch for London, Middlesex County, Elgin County, Oxford County, Chatham-Kent, and Windsor-Essex. The watch was ended in these areas just before 6 p.m.
Forecasters said conditions were favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that could produce damaging wind gusts, heavy rain, and hail. The advisory came on the heels of a special weather statement issued for the region that warned of wind gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour.
"Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road," Environment Canada said in its thunderstorm advisory. "Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!"