Photo by Rubens Mittag.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Kingston and the area as of 10:41 a.m. on Wednesday, Jun. 26, 2019.

The warning is issued for Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, Napanee, Consecon, Picton, and the Sandbanks Park areas.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain,” Environment Canada said. “Thunderstorms are forecast to develop this afternoon and persist into this evening. The main threats are wind gusts up to 100 km/h and 2 cm hail. There is also the threat of an isolated tornado.”

The national weather agency advises that strong wind gusts can toss damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Take cover if severe weather approaches.

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

“The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches,” Environment Canada said.

For more information on severe weather preparedness, click here.