Severe storms, flooding rains washing over Ontario on Thursday
Heavy thunderstorms will continue trekking across parts of Ontario through the day Thursday as a moisture-laden system sweeps through the region.
We’ve already seen reports of flooding from the National Capital Region, where thunderstorms likely produced 50+ mm of rain in one hour early Thursday afternoon.
Downpours will likely continue through the afternoon hours as ample instability continues feeding these robust storms across southern and eastern Ontario.
Forecasters are also monitoring the risk for a more potent system to sweep through the region on Saturday.
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Thursday
Locations: Southern and eastern Ontario
Timing: Through the afternoon and evening hours
Weather: Isolated thunderstorms may interrupt your afternoon plans as a cold front sweeps through Ontario. This far-reaching threat for storms could see a few turn severe. We’ve already seen numerous severe thunderstorm warnings in eastern Ontario on Thursday afternoon as a result of the very heavy rainfall rates.
The strongest instability is building over eastern Ontario, particularly around Kingston and Ottawa. Storms will persist through the evening hours, likely affecting the commute home for some.
Farther south toward the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), there’s a chance for heavy showers and rumbles of thunder through the remainder of the afternoon, although the storms will be spottier in nature and not everyone will see the activity.
The main threats of severe thunderstorms will be very heavy rains, strong wind gusts, and even the risk of nickel-size hail.
Looking ahead
Forecasters are closely watching another system approaching southern Ontario for Saturday. While it’s still too soon for specific details, it’s clear this low-pressure system may pull abundant energy into the region, increasing the risk for severe storms into the weekend.
Keep flexible plans for the weekend, especially if they involve outdoor activities, and continue checking back for the latest as forecasters refine your weekend forecast.
Header image courtesy of Melanie Drouin near Ottawa, Ontario.
Stay tuned for the latest forecast updates for southern Ontario.
