Severe thunderstorm watch issued (update)

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

ENVIRONMENT CANADA

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12 p.m. update

Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Sault Ste. Marie - St. Joseph Island

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Original release

Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Searchmont - Montreal River Harbour - Batchawana Bay

Severe thunderstorm conditions possible - morning to late afternoon.

Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and torential rain.

An area of thunderstorms is crossing portions of Ontario and Lake Superior and may affect areas in the watch.

The main threat with these thunderstorms is torrential rainfall giving up to 50 millimetres within one hour.

Gusty winds and small hail are also possible.

Fast moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle away.

Rapidly rising rivers and creeks can sweep away bridges, culverts, buildings, and people.

Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.

Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.

Be prepared for severe weather.

Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.

Stay indoors when a thunderstorm strikes.

There isn't a place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm.

Stay away from all windows, skylights and doors.

Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.

Environment Canada meteorologists will update alerts as required, so stay tuned to your local media or Weatheradio. Email reports of severe weather to [email protected] or tweet with the hashtag #ONStorm.

For more information: http://www.emergencymanagementontario.ca/english/beprepared/beprepared.html.

More details on the alert are available here.

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