Thunderstorm watches issued across Ontario

Monday, June 16, 2014, 5:31 PM -

Thunderstorm watches are in effect across Ontario with heavy rain and hail expected to impact several communities.

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In southern Ontario, the risk extends from Windsor to Ottawa and north into Sudbury.

"Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain," Environment Canada says in a statement.

The rain threat is expected to persist into Monday evening.

The storm is linked to a cold front that is bringing humidex values in the low to mid-30's to parts of southern Ontario. The trend is forecast to remain through the week.

The cold front is also attached to a system that is bringing heavy, flooding to much of northern Ontario, prompting thunderstorm watches and warnings across the region.

Quarter to toonie-sized hail is possible in some places along with locally heavy downpours.

RELATED: Visit the Alerts section of the website to keep on top of active weather across the country.

"Fast-moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle away," EC warns in a statement.

"Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles."

While no tornado watches or warnings are in effect, it's important to remember that all severe storms are possible of producing a tornado.