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.

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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."