The Canadian Ministry of Environment said that severe thunderstorms may develop Friday afternoon in communities across northeastern Ontario.

The weather observatory raises the danger index in these areas as primarily threatened "Greater Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Elliot, Manitoulin Island, Lake Kirkland, Blind River, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami, West Nipissing, Killarney, and Superior East".

The Canadian Ministry of Environment said in a press statement: "Thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon with increasing likelihood of strong winds and hail as the day progresses."

"Large hail can damage property and cause injuries, and strong gusts of wind can throw loose objects, damage weak buildings, break tree branches, and overturn large vehicles."

The observatory warns that heavy rains can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. The Canadian Ministry of Environment said: "Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year."

The fire and emergency management office recommends that residents take shelter immediately and not leave their homes.