Severe thunderstorm warnings for southwestern Ontario

Anyone living in southwestern Ontario that has outdoor plans this evening might want to move the activities indoors.

Forecasters are tracking a line of severe thunderstorms entering southwestern Ontario, and Environment Canada has issued Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in a line from Windsor to Barrie, as well as along the eastern shores of Lake Huron.

"Damaging winds, large hail, torrential downpours, and frequent cloud to ground lightning are associated with these storms," the warnings state.

If you see a storm in your area, stay alert for changing conditions and seek shelter. With the possibility of damaging winds and large hail, stay away from windows and skylights. Flooded roads from heavy rainfall may be dangerous, as even shallow water flowing across the road can potentially sweep a car downstream.

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These storms are due to a weather system that's currently pushing heavy rain, freezing rain and snow across northern Ontario, and a line of powerful storms across the U.S. Midwest, from Michigan down through Arkansas. Tornado watches and flood warnings have already been called by the U.S. National Weather Service, including for southeastern Michigan, which could indicate how strong the storms coming into Ontario may get.

Severe Thunderstorm Watches are still in effect for Sarnia-Lambton, Oxford-Brant and Halton-Peel regions, as this line of storms is expected to track to the east and northeast throughout the evening.

(Photo courtesy: Alesandro Simic/Getty Images)

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