Canadian Weather | Ontario

Severe thunderstorm risk shifts east in southern Ontario

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Digital writers

theweathernetwork.com

Friday, August 4, 2017, 4:13 PM - As the penultimate long weekend of the summer season beckons, forecasters says that thunderstorms in the GTA should cease Friday overnight, as the storms move east toward Quebec.

On Friday evening, several parts of the region were under tornado warnings, as funnel clouds, rain and thunder was observed. The warnings were in effect for over an hour before they were dropped or downgraded to watches.

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The latest indications have the greatest potential for severe storms near the western shores of Lake Ontario, from around Belleville up toward Ottawa.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.

See below: Waterspout spotted on Lake Eerie

According to Weather Network meteorologist Nadine Powell, it does not look like we will be seeing much chance of the airmass over southern Ontario developing the "capped" instability that typically brings about widespread severe storms. Much of the southern part of the province will see heavy rain and strong straight-line winds, with some localized flooding potential, as the cold front moves through.

Below: Waterspout spotted from Crystal Beach, ON

BELOW: Detailed analysis of Friday's severe weather: Tornadoes possible, then a freefall

Some storms moving through Ontario on Friday have been quite impressive, as seen in the image below, shot by Chris Knox, in Brighton, ON.

Looking ahead past the late-week storms, the big factor that could impact weekend plans most is the potential for below-seasonal temperatures. The weekend will be much cooler, but also much more calm, with only a risk of showers.

Southern Ontario will likely be below 20oC, with central regions of the province a few degrees below that. Stay here for updates.

BONUS VIDEO: Lightning strike over Niagara Falls, Ontario