Environment Canada has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for most of southwestern Ontario

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon into early this evening.

This has the potential to be a highly significant severe weather situation.

Hazards: Damaging wind gusts up to 110 km/h, Large hail up to golf ball size, Locally heavy rainfall, Tornadoes are possible.

Timing: This afternoon into early evening.

Discussion: A significant severe weather situation is possible beginning this afternoon and continuing into early evening.

A line of severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind gusts originating in Michigan is expected to cross the area. Any thunderstorms that form ahead of this line will also be capable of very large hail.

The threat for tornadoes also exists. The threat of severe thunderstorms will diminish with the passage of the front this evening.

A tornado watch may be issued as required.

Very large hail can damage property, break windows, dent vehicles and cause serious injury. Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road.

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.