Severe thunderstorm watch for Kingston and area

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Kingston, Odessa, and Frontenac Islands.

The notification was at one point a warning, but subsequently downgraded.

As of 5:48 p.m., Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, up to nickel size hail and heavy rain.

A storm to the north of Kingston moving in a southeasterly direction is also showing a hook echo with rotation. This has the potential to form a tornado.

Residents should be prepared for flash floods caused by heavy downpours, and water pooling on roads. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.

Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.