Environment Canada has issued severe thunderstorm watches and warnings that cover all of eastern Ontario and western Quebec.
Storms have been scattered across the region Wednesday afternoon, causing tornado warnings around Hawkesbury and Bancroft.
As of around 3:40 p.m., all of those tornado warnings had ended.
Severe thunderstorm warnings generally surround Ottawa-Gatineau, extending to the east and southwest. All other areas are under a severe thunderstorm watch.
The storm might produce strong wind gusts, large hail and up to 50 millimetres of rain falling within an hour, Environment Canada says.
There’s still a risk of a tornado mentioned in the watches that cover much of eastern Ontario and western Quebec, but not for communities closer to Lake Ontario.
People are being reminded of the dangers of weather like this and asked to take cover if threatening weather approaches.
A tornado watch is issued when there’s a storm approaching with conditions that could produce a tornado. A warning goes out either when a tornado sighting has been reported or when there’s sufficient evidence to suggest a tornado is on the way.
If a tornado forms, people are advised to stay away from exterior walls and windows, ideally going to a basement or the ground floor. They should also get out of vehicles.
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are likely to produce large hail, damaging winds or torrential rainfall. They also are upgraded to warnings when one of those weather elements becomes more certain.