Severe Storms Threaten Cottage Country, Eastern Ontario

Risk of flooding, high winds, and hail across two regions.

Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across Ontario and Quebec, posing threats that include localized flooding, significant hail, and powerful wind gusts that could reach 110 km/h. Residents should stay informed and prepared.

Areas at Risk

The initial area of concern includes the popular cottage country along the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. A cold front arriving in the early evening will heighten the risk of severe weather in these regions.

Forecasters caution about the potential for localized flooding due to heavy downpours, coupled with the risk of large hail and strong wind gusts impacting recreational areas.

A second, more intense weather system is forecast to impact eastern Ontario and southern Quebec, where a warm front will amplify the development of strong to severe thunderstorms.

Key Threats

According to the report, storms are expected to intensify during the afternoon and persist into the evening.

The primary dangers include damaging wind gusts reaching up to 110 km/h and the potential for nickel-sized hail. Additionally, rotation can’t be ruled out, raising concerns about possible tornado development.

Given the high moisture content in the atmosphere, localized flooding is a significant concern. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, insured damage from severe weather reached $3.1 billion in 2023, underscoring the increasing financial risk associated with these events (IBC 2024).

It remains crucial to stay updated with the latest forecasts and heed any warnings issued for your specific area.