All storm warnings over for Ottawa-Gatineau area
Thunderstorms briefly brought a tornado warning for the Sharbot Lake area
All local weather warnings have ended for a Thursday evening storm system that briefly included a tornado warning southwest of Ottawa.
Environment Canada said a storm that was possibly producing a tornado was near Sharbot Lake and moving east at 9:20 p.m. Within 20 minutes, the warning had changed to a severe thunderstorm warning.
It's not immediately clear whether a tornado happened.
A broader tornado risk covered many eastern Ontario communities west of Ottawa until around 10 p.m. and later for western Quebec.
Forecasters also mentioned strong gusts of wind, large hail and heavy rain along with lightning.
Environment Canada recommends staying indoors and taking cover in a basement where possible during these types of threatening weather, and notes strong winds can damage trees or buildings and overturn vehicles.
The agency issues a severe thunderstorm watch when conditions are favourable for a storm to develop. A warning is issued when there is evidence that a thunderstorm is imminent or occurring that will produce damaging hail, wind or rain.
Tornado watches and warnings follow a similar system.
- Here's what to do during a tornado alert
- Use CBC Lite for low-bandwith news if you lose power, internet
Environment Canada has been mentioning the possibility of tornadoes for eastern Ontario since Tuesday.
Thursday was also very hot, with Ottawa reaching 33 C and feeling like 42 with humidity by 3 p.m.. That's warning-worthy heat, but it won't last long enough: Friday's forecasted high for the capital is back to a seasonal 28 C.