Torontonians might want to rain check their outdoor plans today as the city is at risk of tornadoes and forecast to see “nickel size” hail and up to 100 millimetres of rain.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) upgraded the severe thunderstorm watch to a warning for the city Saturday afternoon.
“This line of severe thunderstorms is located from East Gwillimbury to Toronto to Clarkson, moving northeast at 45 km/h,” the warning reads.
Just before 1:45 p.m., the ECCC issued a rainfall warning for the city as 50 to 100 millimetres of rain are forecast for the city, pouring at a rate of 40 millimetres per hour. The advisory says the rain will continue through Sunday, advising Torontonians to keep their children and pets away from river banks and creeks.
The federal agency adds heavy downpours can lead to pooling of water on roadways and flash floods.
“Should conditions for the development of tornadoes improve this watch will be upgraded to a Tornado Watch,” the weather agency said.
ECCC warned that large hail can cause injuries and damage property, adding stronger winds can blow loose objects, break tree branches, overturn larger vehicles and mangle weak buildings.
The advisory urges locals to “take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.”
Richmond Hill, Markham, Pickering, Uxbridge, Ajax, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Mount Zion, Port Credit, Lakeview, Downsview, Concord, Thornhill, and Gormley are also impacted by the severe thunderstorms blowing throughout the region..
Severe thunderstorm watches are also in effect in other parts across southern Ontario, including Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and London.
Tornado warnings are also in effect for Cambridge, Roseville, Breslau, Preston, Hespeler, West Guelph, Aberfoyle and Morriston, Ont.
“If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately,” the warning reads, adding to go to the lowest floor in your home and stay away from windows.