Severe thunderstorms, risk of 'brief' tornado for southwestern Ontario

Environment Canada has placed southwestern Ontario under a yellow-level severe thunderstorm watch for Thursday afternoon and evening, also warning of a "brief tornado" risk.

"Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail," the weather agency's statement said, adding that "once the storms have intensified, there is a risk of a brief tornado."

Local utility outages are possible, Environment Canada said, with wind gusts up to 90 km/h and the possibility of toonie-size hail.

If threatening weather approaches, the statement advises, take cover in a basement or interior room.

Anyone outside, it adds, should protect themselves from flying debris and hail, and secure any loose objects.