Severe thunderstorm watch ended for Toronto, GTA

A severe thunderstorm watch has ended for Toronto and the GTA however a few areas across southern Ontario remain under a rainfall warning.

Environment Canada had warned of dangerous thunderstorms due to a system that was moving across southwestern Ontario, producing strong winds and heavy rain.

The advisories ended just before 8:30 p.m. ET.

Rainfall warnings were still in effect for Barrie, Collingwood, Orillia, Midland, Grey-Bruce, Huron-Perth, London-Middlesex, Waterloo-Wellington with the potential of up to 50 mm having fallen in those areas by midnight.

“Showers and thunderstorms are expected to taper to scattered light showers overnight,” said Environment Canada.

Earlier in the day, the national weather service issued a number of tornado warnings as a line of extreme weather ripped across southern Ontario. However, all those watches and warnings were cancelled across all regions just before 7 p.m.

Provincial police in Fergus tell CityNews they received calls of storm damage in the area including a number of tree limbs down, but no reports of twisters or funnel clouds.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) says the weather system that swept through the area Wednesday caused “significant damage” to trees at the Elora Gorge Conservation Area.

“As a result, the property has been closed to day-use access and new overnight camping reservations until further notice,” they said. “All other Grand River Conservation Areas, trails and natural areas remain open; however, the public is asked to exercise caution and avoid any areas where tree damage has occurred.”

Those with campsite and tubing reservations for the remainder of this week will be contacted directly regarding their bookings the GRCA said.

Hydro One said as many as 9,000 customers were without power as a result of the high winds and thunderstorms.