Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Windsor-Essex

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Windsor-Essex, while Chatham-Kent and the Sarnia area remain under a thunderstorm watch.

The weather agency said a line of severe thunderstorms may move from Michigan into southern Ontario late Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Those storms could bring severe wind gusts of up to 100 km/h and possibly even a brief tornado, the weather office said.

Later Wednesday evening, Environment Canada said local utility outages — as well as damage to roofs, fences and trees — were likely. 

"Take immediate cover if a thunderstorm approaches. If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail. If you hear roaring wind, see a funnel cloud, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately," the agency said in its warning. 

Conservation authority issues watershed conditions statement

The Essex Region Conservation Authority has issued a watershed conditions statement for the Windsor-Essex-Pelee region. 

"Today's thunderstorms brought varying amounts of rainfall across the region, from 15 millimetres to just over 30 millimetres," the authority said in the notice.

"Ground conditions are now saturated, and any additional high-intensity rainfall will result in additional runoff into the receiving watercourses. Forecasts are predicting risks of more convective thunderstorms within the next 24 hours."

Those storms can appear suddenly and sometimes result in 25 millimetres or more of rainfall in a very short amount of time, coupled with high winds, ERCA said.

If that happens, smaller watercourses will rise quickly, and low-lying areas may have moving or standing water. 

The conservation authority advised people to be extra careful near watercourses where water levels are elevated because the combination of slippery banks and fast-moving water can be dangerous.

People should also keep children, pets, and livestock away from flowing or standing water, officials said. 

The advisory is in effect until Thursday at 6 p.m.