Residents in parts of midwestern and southwestern Ontario were told to prepare for the arrival of an intense thunderstorm packing very strong winds on Wednesday afternoon.
Around 4:45 p.m., Environment Canada issued red level severe thunderstorm warnings for 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.
Shortly after 7 p.m., West Region Ontario Provincial Police reported that the severe weather caused the closure of several roads in the region because of downed trees and powerlines.
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Just before 7:30 p.m., a red-level tornado warning was reissued for Sarnia-Lambton.
Environment Canada warned that a severe storm capable of producing destructive winds, hail, and torrential rainfall was moving quickly from the Michigan area.
The warning was downgraded to yellow again within 10 minutes, though the weather agency continued to encourage people to stay indoors as the conditions remain dangerous.
Numerous power outages were reported following the storms, with crews working as quickly as possible to get the lights back on for customers. Though, in many cases, there was no estimated time for restoration.
