A line of storms moved across southern Ontario on Wednesday, prompting weather advisories and warnings to be issued for several areas, including the Toronto region.
Environment Canada warned that the storms were capable of producing strong winds, heavy rain and a tornado. Around 3 p.m., the federal agency issued several weather advisories for a swath of rural countryside, including a tornado warning for the Barrie, Collingwood and Hillsdale areas.
All severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings and advisories were later lifted and changed to rain warnings Wednesday evening. Environment Canada said those areas could see up to 40 millimeters of rain.
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) said the storms that passed through the region caused significant damage to trees in the Elora Gorge Conservation Area.
“As a result, the property has been closed to daytime access and new overnight camping reservations until further notice. Those guests with camping and tubing reservations for the remainder of this week will be contact directly about their bookings,” the GRCA said in a post on its website.
There were also watches and warnings in the Greater Toronto Area. Parts of Peel Region and Halton Region were under a severe thunderstorm warning, with Environment Canada warning that a tornado is “possible.”
A severe thunderstorm watch was in place for Toronto, York Region and Durham Region as wind gusts near 90 kilometers per hour, nickel hail and rain amounts possibly in excess of 50 millimeters were possible .
All GTA watches and advisories ended shortly before 8:30 p.m
Cloudy and humid conditions will continue through Thursday in Toronto with a 60 percent chance of showers and a risk of thunderstorms. The maximum will be 29 C with a humidex of 37.
The sun will return on Friday with a maximum of 28 ºC.