Severe storms bring tornado risk, damaging winds to region

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Ottawa and surrounding eastern Ontario as conditions favour storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall on Tuesday, June 30.

Wind gusts could reach 110 km/h, hail the size of golf balls is possible, and rainfall amounts may exceed 50 millimetres. Thunderstorms could develop this afternoon and continue into the early evening, with the potential for localized power outages.

Meanwhile, a red-level tornado warning — the agency's highest alert — was issued for areas from Kingston to Prescott, where a severe thunderstorm had the potential to produce a tornado. The warning indicated life-threatening weather capable of causing extreme disruption. The warning was called off shortly after being issued, but thunderstorms continue tracking through the region.

Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts and alerts and be prepared to take shelter.