A red tornado warning has been issued by Environment Canada for areas east of Ottawa, including communities such as Clarence-Rockland, Russell, and Hawkesbury. This alert signifies that a tornado has been sighted or there is strong evidence that one is imminent, prompting urgent calls for residents to take immediate shelter in basements or interior rooms away from windows.
The broader region encompassing eastern Ontario and western Quebec is under a severe thunderstorm watch, with conditions deemed favourable for the development of dangerous weather systems. These storms could bring wind gusts up to 90 km/h and significant rainfall, with localized areas potentially receiving over 50 mm. A separate yellow severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for western Quebec, north and east of Gatineau, including areas like Val-des-Monts and Thurso.
The Ottawa-Gatineau area itself saw its severe thunderstorm watch end around 1:40 p. m. Thursday, though the risk of storms persisted. These weather events are part of a dynamic system moving through the region, with forecasters noting the potential for isolated tornadoes, particularly along the Quebec and U. S. international border. Residents are advised to stay informed and monitor updates from Environment Canada as the situation evolves.
