Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Muskoka

The CTV News Barrie transmission tower is struck by lightning in this file image from Thurs. June 13, 2024 (Chris Garry/CTV News Barrie).

The hot and humid conditions of Victoria Day Monday have triggered a yellow severe thunderstorm watch from Environment Canada for parts of Muskoka and much of northern Ontario.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail,” said the weather agency in its advisory. “Thunderstorms over Lower Michigan are expected to intensify (Monday) afternoon and move eastward into the area. The main hazard will be damaging wind gusts. A tornado cannot be ruled out.”

Wind gusts could reach up to 100 kilometers per hour and ‘toonie-sized’ hail could fall.

Areas under the severe thunderstorm watch span from Parry Sound and Huntsville to northwestern Quebec and from Manitoulin Island to the west part of the Ottawa Region, including the east shores of Lake Huron.

“Local utility outages are possible,” added Enviornment Canada. “Damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is possible.”

The severe thunderstorm watches are expected to remain in effect between Monday afternoon and Monday evening.

Many areas in Simcoe County and southern Ontario are under a yellow heat warning through Tuesday.