Residents in parts of midwestern and southwestern Ontario are being told to prepare for the arrival of an intense thunderstorm packing very strong winds.
Around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Environment Canada issued red level severe thunderstorm warnings much of Huron County, Perth County, Middlesex County, and Lambton County.
Tornado warnings were issued for Huron County and Perth County, while tornado watches were issued for Middlesex County and eastern Lambton County.
Just after 5 p.m., the red level tornado warning was downgraded to an orange level tornado watch for southern Huron County.
All red level tornado warnings were downgraded to orange level tornado watches by 5:30 p.m.
"Take cover immediately in a basement, interior room, or a sturdy shelter when threatening weather approaches. If no shelter is available, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. If you are out on the water when threatening weather approaches, return to shore and seek shelter, if possible, or move directly away from the path of the tornado. Otherwise, wear your lifejacket, lie face down and protect your head," the warnings said.
-more to come-
