Severe storms, tornado risk expected across southern Ontario amid heat warning

(File photo)

Environment Canada is warning conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms across parts of southern Ontario, including Waterloo Region, as a heat warning continues.

The national weather agency said storms expected this afternoon and evening could bring damaging wind gusts between 90 and 110 km/hr, hail up to the size of ping pong balls and the possibility of a tornado.

“Damaging wind gusts will be the main threat with these storms. Local utility outages are possible. Damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is possible,” the advisory read in part. “Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. Large hail can cause significant damage and injury.”

The storm threat comes as much of southern Ontario remains under a heat warning, with daytime highs near 30 degrees Celsius and humidex values approaching 36.

The heat event is expected to continue into Tuesday night before cooler conditions arrive later in the week.