Severe thunderstorms and tornados could roll through parts of southwestern Ontario on Saturday.
Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watches and warnings Saturday afternoon for areas including Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton, London-Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford along with Huron-Perth and Grey-Bruce counties.
The potential for tornados threatened parts of the province for a couple hours early Saturday evening. Just after 5 p.m., a tornado warning was issued for areas along norther Huron County and southern Grey Bruce County.
The tornado warning was lifted less than an hour later for areas in Wingham and Blyth. At around 6:48 p.m. Environment Canada also lifted the tornado warning for Saugeen Shores and Kincardine.
The weather agency says conditions are favourable for dangerous thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail. The watch follows a weather statement that remains in place for the same areas regarding heavy rainfall.
Meteorologists are tracking thunderstorms over Michigan that are expected to intensify as the afternoon progresses. Strong winds appear to be the primary threat with these storms however, officials say there is also a threat for a tornado to possibly develop especially in areas close to Lake Huron.
The watch is expected to remain in place into the evening as the storms move east across the area.