Severe thunderstorms are expected to hit southwestern Ontario on Thursday with strong winds and a tornado warning anticipated in some areas.

On Thursday afternoon, Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm watches across much of the southwestern region of the province, from Barrie to Niagara Falls.

The federal agency says that wind gusts of up to 100 km/h with hail up to the size of pennies are possible, and between 30 to 50 mm of rainfall is expected. Just before 5:15 p.m., Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Toronto, with hail up to the size of a nickel expected Thursday evening.

Environment Canada also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Windsor, Sarnia, Petrolia, and the western Lambton County in Ontario. It indicated that conditions could be "dangerous" with hail the size of golf balls and winds reaching 120 km/h in some areas.
In areas southeast of Georgian Bay, the agency states there is a risk of isolated tornadoes.
A tornado warning is currently in effect for parts of the Simcoe area, with Environment Canada warning residents to seek immediate shelter "if threatening weather approaches."

Warnings have also been issued in some areas of London, Ontario, and Hamilton, with storms expected to begin this afternoon and continue into the evening.

Environment Canada stated that the risk of severe storms will diminish after the passage of Thursday night.

Large hail can cause injury and property damage, with larger hail capable of breaking windows and damaging vehicles, as noted by the weather agency.

Environment Canada states that a severe thunderstorm may occur when weather conditions lead to one or more of the following situations:

Large hail or destructive winds or heavy rainfall; however, warnings are issued when imminent or occurring storms are likely to produce or are producing one or more of those severe weather conditions.