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Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm watches in southern Ontario Wednesday, warning of heavy rain, strong wind and potentially damaging hail.

Severe thunderstorm watches dropped in southern Ontario


Cheryl Santa Maria
Digital Reporter

Wednesday, May 27, 2015, 7:01 PM -

The hot, muggy conditions in southern Ontario and Quebec sparked strong thunderstorms, prompting warnings from forecasters that have now been dropped.

Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm watches in parts of southern Ontario Wednesday afternoon, warning of heavy rain, strong wind and potentially damaging hail expected into the evening.

"Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road," Environment Canada says in a statement.


RELATED: Check out our summer forecast preview


"Take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches."

No tornado watches or warnings are in effect, but any severe thunderstorm is capable of producing a tornado. Residents are advised to monitor the weather forecast and tie down loose outdoor furniture.

The threat of severe storms for southern Ontario is expected to end Wednesday night.

Thursday morning could be unsettled, with lingering showers extending up to the Ottawa valley. 

The rain won't do much to cool the hot, muggy weather. With the humidity, it's expected to feel like 30 in parts of the province Thursday.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

Here are a few tips that can help keep you safe, courtesy of The Weather Network and the Canadian and American Red Cross.

LIGHTNING SAFETY TIPS

  • Stay away from windows.
  • Unplug appliances.
  • Do not use the telephone.
  • Avoid running tap water.
  • Try to reach a safe building or vehicle (picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT  considered safe).
  • Avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers.
  • If you are out on the water, get to land and find shelter immediately.

IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

  • Call for help / dial 911.
  • The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned or have other injuries.
  • People who have been struck by lightning do not retain an electrical charge and can be handled safely.
  • Give first aid. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.

Environment Canada offers a 30-30 rule. If you can count 30 seconds or less between seeing a lightning flash and hearing the thunder, take shelter and stay there until 30 minutes after you last hear thunder. 


KEEP ON TOP OF ACTIVE WEATHER: Visit the Alerts section of the website


TORNADO SAFETY TIPS

  • Should a tornado develop, seek underground shelter when possible -- preferably in a basement.
  • In the absence of an underground room opt for a windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a solid building.
  • Never try to outrun a tornado.
  • Keep cell phone and/or battery-operated radio handy so you can keep on top of tornado watches and warnings.
  • DO NOT go outside if a tornado is imminent or occurring in your area.

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING SIGNS

  • Large hail
  • Strong winds
  • Debris clouds and tree damage
  • Torrential rain 
  • Severe thunder/lightning
  • Dark, often greenish clouds
  • Funnel clouds

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