Greater Sudbury under severe thunderstorm watch

Update: 11:50 a.m.

The severe thunderstorm watch has been upgraded to a warning. 

Environment Canada meteorologists began tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, up to nickel size hail and heavy rain. This severe thunderstorm is located 17 kilometres northwest of Agnew Lake, moving east at 80 km/h. 

Original story: 

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Greater Sudbury and area. 

Environment Canada is reporting that conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

There could be wind gusts up to 90 km/h, localized heavy downpours and nickel to toonie sized hail beginning this afternoon and continuing into this evening. 

Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Water-related activities may be unsafe due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water.

Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm