A mother and her child navigate through Trinity Bellwoods in Toronto, during a thunderstorm that occurred on June 13, 2018.Tijana Martin/The Canadian Press
Environment Canada warns residents in southern Ontario that a severe thunderstorm could cause toonie-sized hail storms and dangerous wind gusts of up 130 kilometres per hour.
According to the agency, this is a potentially life-threatening situation.
Large hail can cause serious damage to property and even injury. Strong winds can cause severe damage to buildings, flatten large trees, and even blow cars off the road. Locally heavy rains are also possible.
Environment Canada warned that the worst conditions could be seen in the Greater Toronto Area. However, thunderstorm warnings are in effect for Barrie and the Niagara region, as well as other parts of southern Ontario.
Toronto police stated that some power outages are already being experienced and that its non-emergency lines have been temporarily shut down by the storm. The service warned of potential property damage and tree uprooting from heavy winds.
Toronto Hydro stated it was responding in kind to power outages throughout the city and warned residents to stay at 10m from downed powerlines.
Environment Canada advised drivers not to speed up and to be prepared to stop in the event of poor visibility. People were also advised to cover immediately in case of inclement weather.
Globe editors have written our Morning Update & Evening Update newsletters. They provide a concise summary and overview of the most important headlines for the day. Register today.
