WEST CARLETON – Environment Canada has placed West Carleton under a severe thunderstorm watch.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening,” Environment Canada released in a statement just before 11 a.m. today (Aug. 7). “These thunderstorms may be capable of producing heavy downpours and strong wind gusts.”

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.

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

For more information on being prepared, click here.