Environment Canada is warning of possible funnel clouds this afternoon and evening across much of southern Ontario.
A special weather advisory was issued just before 3:30 p.m. for Toronto and the GTA, saying conditions are favourable for the development of funnel clouds.
“These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms,” the national weather service said. “This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.”
This is not a tornado watch or warning as landspout tornadoes don’t usually cause significant damage but can be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances.
“Should a funnel cloud develop nearby, prepare to take shelter. These funnel clouds usually appear with little or no warning.”
A funnel cloud advisory is now in effect across portions of southern Ontario
????Several funnel cloud reports have been reported via social media. Conditions continue to look favourable for the potential this afternoon.
Alerts????https://t.co/oNoFsAga7m#ONwx #ONstorm pic.twitter.com/BIIRqx7Qel
— ECCC Weather Ontario (@ECCCWeatherON) June 24, 2023
Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, York and Durham Regions are also under a rainfall warning with between 50 to 75 mm possible by this evening.
“These showers and thunderstorms are very slow moving and some areas may receive significant rainfall amounts,” Environment Canada said in a statement.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Heavy rainfall in combination with other weather factors, such as hail, wind and lightning will make outdoor activities unsafe.”
