Hang onto your umbrellas today (May 4), as strong and gusty southwest winds are forecast for this afternoon into this evening as well as the potential for severe thunderstorms.
Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Hastings County, as well as a severe thunderstorm watch for Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton County.
Wind warning
Wind gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are likely across much of the region after a cold front moves through from early to late afternoon.
Thunderstorms are possible along the cold front and a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of Southern Ontario.
Winds will diminish this evening as a high pressure ridge moves in.
Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions due to high winds.
Wind warnings are issued when there is a significant risk of damaging winds.
Severe thunderstorm watch
Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.
Severe thunderstorms possible this afternoon as a cold front blasts through.
The main threat is damaging wind gusts to 110 km/h.
Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. 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.
