100 km/h winds, torrential downpours possible tonight

Better bring in that patio furniture.

Environment Canada is calling for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and this evening. 100 km/h winds and torrential downpours are possible.

A severe thunderstorm watch from Environment Canada reads as follows:

Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for:

• Sault Ste. Marie - St. Joseph Island

Conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms to develop this afternoon into this evening.

The main threats are strong damaging winds up to 100 km/h and torrential downpours.

Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

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