BARRIE, ONT. -- A tornado warning issued on Friday afternoon for central and southern Ontario has shifted to a severe thunderstorm warning.

Environment Canada issued the warning around 3:30 p.m. and changed gears to a severe thunderstorm warning by 5:45 p.m.

The wicked weather produced high winds and golfball-sized hail in parts of the region, including Snow Valley, Penetanguishene and Midland, as a line of thunderstorms moved across Georgian Bay.

Tornado warning issued for central Ontario

The intense weather system covered northern Simcoe County, bringing strong winds and roars of thunder.

The weather agency states, "Persons in or near this area should be on the lookout for adverse weather conditions and take necessary safety precautions."

There were reports of a funnel cloud formation north of Coldwater Friday afternoon.

Environment Canada states the thunderstorms can potentially carry "the risk for a tornado."