Flooding rains hit southern Ontario, severe thunderstorm risk continues

Monday, July 7, 2014, 11:06 AM - Some southern Ontarians may be reaching for an extra cup of coffee after early morning thunderstorms rumbled through the region.

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"We are getting slammed," said one Guelph resident who called The Weather Network Stormline early Monday. "It is just one lightning strike after another. It shook my whole house and woke everybody up...I haven't seen a storm like this in a very long time."

In addition to the frequent lightning and roaring thunder, powerful winds and heavy rain were also reported.

"Many areas near and west of the Niagara Escarpment received 15 to 30 mm of rain," said Environment Canada in a weather summary early Monday. "However a few areas, such as much of Waterloo region and parts of Oxford and Lambton counties were really soaked with local rainfall amounts of 40 mm or more."

The heavy rain also impacted the morning commute, slowing drivers and adding "instant delays."

"Fast moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle away, adds EC. "Remember, severe thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes. Stay indoors when a thunderstorm strikes. There isn't a place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm."

Already getting heavy on the 401 through Westney - 'instant delays...just add water' #onstorm #torontotraffic pic.twitter.com/LLwOHDebwK

— Beat the Traffic (@BTT_GTA) July 7, 2014

Despite a clearing period expected late-morning, daytime heating could fuel more thunderstorm activity later in the day.