Environment Canada says it’s tracking a powerful thunderstorm west of Ottawa that is capable of producing a tornado, while severe thunderstorm watches remain in effect closer to the nation’s capital.
As of 5 p.m. ET, tornado warnings were in place for communities and regions that include:
- Deep River
- Chalk River
- Bonnechere River Provincial Park
- Opeongo River Provincial Park
- Barron River Provincial Park
The storm could also generate intense rainfall, wind gusts up to 120 km/h and nickel-sized hail, the agency said. It was moving northeast near Barron River Provincial Park at roughly 60 km/h, Environment Canada said.
Meanwhile, severe thunderstorm watches continue to cover Ottawa-Gatineau and many surrounding communities including Kingston, Cornwall, Perth, Brockville, Pembroke and Maniwaki.
In Ottawa, conditions are favourable for 90 km/h wind gusts and toonie-sized hail, Environment Canada said. There is currently no mention of a potential tornado for the nation’s capital.
Tornados are mentioned primarily in the Bancroft and Pembroke areas, as well as communities to the north in Quebec.
The Quebec alerts also note the potential for “torrential downpours” with up to 40 millimetres of rain in some places.
Ottawa’s main airport recorded 17.4 millimetres of rain in a few hours during Tuesday’s storm, the greatest single-day volume in six weeks.
Wednesday’s forecasted high temperature in Ottawa is 30 C, with humidity making it feel as hot as 37. The capital hasn’t reached 30 C since early October.
Daily heat records are possible Wednesday in communities including Brockville, Cornwall, Kingston and Belleville.