Ottawa, eastern Ontario could see severe thunderstorms, heavy rain as storms move through the area

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for an area stretching from Belleville to Cornwall and the Ottawa Valley, including Ottawa. A tornado warning was briefly issued for Prescott-Russell, but was lifted just before 2 p.m.

A series of weather watches are in effect across Ottawa and eastern Ontario, as severe storms move through the area.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for an area stretching from Belleville to Cornwall and the Ottawa Valley, including Ottawa. A tornado warning was briefly issued for Prescott-Russell, but was lifted just before 2 p.m.

At 2 p.m., a band of severe weather was moving across eastern Ontario, stretching from Kawartha Lakes to Pembroke and moving east. Heavy rain was also reported in the Hawkesbury area.

Environment Canada says the conditions are "favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain." The weather statement warns areas could see "torrential downpours with 50 mm (of rain) falling within an hour.

"The main threats will be strong winds, torrential downpours and hail. There is also a risk of a tornado today, especially towards the Ottawa River Valley," Environment Canada said, adding conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms.

"Large hail can damage property and cause injury. 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."

A tornado warning was issued just before 2 p.m. for the Bancroft, Ont. area. Environment Canada said meteorologists were tracking a severe thunderstorm that is possibly producing a tornado, damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall.