Messy evening commute for southern Ontario

Friday, April 4, 2014, 1:08 PM -

Southern Ontario is in the midst of a 'classic' spring storm that's bringing rain and the risk for isolated thunderstorms to parts of the region through Saturday.

It's part of the same system that has brought damaging storms to parts of the states Thursday.

Evening commuters are being advised to leave extra time Friday evening, as traffic is expected to be busy in the Toronto area.

In addition to the wet conditions extra cars are likely to be on the road due to the Blue Jay's Home Opener, which is set to kick of Friday evening.

"Throughout the day Friday from the Windsor to Kitchener-Waterloo region and through the Niagara region, there's an isolated risk for scattered thunderstorms embedded within the rain," warns Weather Network meteorologist Dayna Vettese. "The risk of severe storms should remain state-side."

Up to 25 mm could fall in parts of southern Ontario, with locally higher amounts possible.

"Gusts between 50-70 km/h are also expected along Lakes Erie and Ontario shorelines increasing to 70-80 km/h on Saturday (including the Niagara region)," Vettese adds.

For areas further north, the story will be snow once again. Up to 20 cm could accumulate in some places by the time all is said and done.