Update (May 18 at 8 p.m.) – Environment Canada has ended the severe thunderstorm watch for the Kawarthas region.
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch today (May 18) for the entire Kawarthas region, including:
- Apsley – Woodview – Northern Peterborough County
- Fenelon Falls – Balsam Lake Park – Northern Kawartha Lakes
- Lindsay – Southern Kawartha Lakes
- Peterborough City – Lakefield – Southern Peterborough County
- Belleville – Quinte West – Eastern Northumberland County
- Cobourg – Colborne – Western Northumberland County
- Bancroft – Hastings Highlands – Denbigh
Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain.
The thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead of or along a cold front this afternoon or evening.
Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees, and blow large vehicles off the road. Severe thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes, as well as lightning (which kills and injures Canadians every year).
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.
