Severe thunderstorms, tornado possible in Waterloo region and Guelph Wednesday

Tornado warning issued in London and surrounding areas

Environment Canada has ended a red warning in Waterloo region, Guelph and surrounding areas.

The red warning was issued on Wednesday for severe thunderstorms and a possibility of a tornado. An orange watch for a possible tornado is still in effect for Waterloo region, Guelph and surrounding areas.

Just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the weather agency issued an emergency alert to some mobile phones across Waterloo region and surrounding areas, warning of destructive winds in the coverage area. Environment Canada says severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.

"A line of extremely dangerous thunderstorms is located from Linwood to New Hamburg then to St. Marys," the red warning said, adding that driving will be difficult and trees will be destroyed in the storm.

"Take immediate cover in a basement or interior room if weather threat approaches," the alert said. "Shelter from flying debris if outside."

Severe thunderstorm rushes through downtown Kitchener on Wednesday

Some people in Waterloo region and Guelph also received two tornado warnings at 5:08 p.m. and at 5:34 p.m. Both warnings instructed people to take immediate cover if threatening weather approaches.

Damaging wind gusts of more than 110 km/h are possible, along with quarter- to ping-pong-ball-sized hail and local rainfall amounts of up to 50 mm.

"The primary concern with any thunderstorms will be for strong and potentially damaging winds along with large hail and torrential rain. That being said, conditions could become favourable for some thunderstorms to be able to produce a tornado," the statement from Environment Canada says.

At 4:25 p.m. on Wednesday, Environment Canada has also issued a tornado watch for London and surrounding areas including eastern Middlesex County. It said conditions are favourable for the development storms that could produce a tornado.

In the Waterloo region and Guelph area, Environment Canada said utility outages are possible because of the strong winds, adding that significant damage to property, buildings and trees could occur. There is also a risk of serious injury.

Residents are advised to take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches, preferably in a basement or interior room. If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail.

"When thunder roars, go indoors," Environment Canada says.

Residents should continue to monitor alerts and forecasts as the storms develop.