Severe storm with strong winds, hail and torrential rain hit the region
Severe storms rolled into central Ontario on Wednesday, with Environment Canada warning about 120 kilometres per hour winds that had the potential to produce a tornado.
On Wednesday morning, Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Simcoe County and Muskoka, noting conditions were favourable for the wicked weather to begin in the afternoon and last through the evening.
Marchmont Road in Severn Township, Ont., on Wed., May 22, 2024. (Courtesy: Connor Earl Productions)
By 2 p.m., meteorologists tracking the severe thunderstorm issued a tornado warning that was lifted soon after.
Environment Canada issued two tornado warnings for Simcoe County on Wed., May 22, 2024.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
As a cold front moved through the region, the agency said the main threats were strong winds and hail.
"Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles," it stated on its website.
Hail stormed down in Innisfil, Ont., on Wed., May 22, 2024. (Supplied)
The weather agency also warned the storm could produce torrential rain and toonie-sized hail, which many parts of the region saw in the late afternoon.
Hail rained down in Brechin, Ont., during a tornado warning on Wed., May 23, 2024. (Courtesy: Greg Jones)
Later that night, after 9 p.m., a second tornado warning was issued, as iphones blasted the emergency alert.
Again, it was lifted less than 20 minutes later.
Environment Canada encouraged people to take cover if threatening weather approached.
"If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ministers Joly, LeBlanc travel to Florida to meet with Trump's team
Two members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet will be in Palm Beach, Fla., Friday to meet with members of Donald Trump's team.
India alleges widespread trafficking of international students through Canada to U.S.
Indian law enforcement agencies say they are investigating alleged links between dozens of colleges in Canada and two 'entities' in Mumbai accused of illegally ferrying students across the Canada-United States border.
Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' dies after falling from moving vehicle
Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' died last week after falling from a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, according to CNN affiliate WVTM.
Pizza deliverer in Florida charged with stabbing pregnant woman at motel after tip dispute
A pizza deliverer in central Florida has been charged with pushing her way into a motel room with an accomplice and stabbing a pregnant woman after a dispute over a tip, authorities said.
Christmas Eve stowaway caught on Delta airplane at Seattle airport
A stowaway was caught trying to nab a ride on a Delta Air Lines plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Christmas Eve.
2 minors, 2 adults critically injured in south Calgary crash; incident was preceded by a robbery
Multiple people were rushed to hospital, including two minors, in the aftermath of a serious vehicle collision on Thursday morning.
Hwy. 401 off-ramp shut down due to Boxing Day deal-hunters now re-open
A Highway 401 off-ramp west of Toronto that became so clogged up with Boxing Day deal-hunters Thursday that police had to shut it down out of safety concerns has re-opened.
Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials
Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border.
Aviation experts say Russia's air defence fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns
Aviation experts said Thursday that Russian air defence fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured.