Environment Canada issues special weather statement for storm coming our way

Dark clouds fill the sky over Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, Ont. on Wed., June 17, 2026. (Bill McNair)

You may want to rethink upcoming outdoor plans for the next 24 hours as a storm is brewing and headed our way.

The national weather centre has issued a special weather statement Wednesday afternoon just before 1 p.m. affecting communities including Barrie, Collingwood, Innisfil, Newmarket, Owen Sound, Orangeville and Shelburne.

Environment Canada says the storm will take form in strong winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms Wednesday evening into Thursday morning.

The region can expect around 40 mm of rainfall with the potential for severe thunderstorms and strong wind gusts.

• 5-day weather forecast for Simcoe County

According to Environment Canada, a low-pressure system is making its way to the region bringing with it showers that will start early Wednesday evening and become heavier as the night goes on. Thunderstorms could disrupt your night’s sleep as they’re expected to roll in later in the night and overnight with strong winds.

While the alert is currently a special weather statement, the national weather centre says watches and warnings could be coming next once it can determine more clearly the weather system’s path.

The alert comes following uncertain weather conditions over the last few days that have prompted the national weather centre to issue watches and warnings.

• Quarter-sized hail could blast the region, winds up to 90 km/h
• Environment Canada alerts of toonie-sized hail and winds up to 90 km/h