Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for Waterloo region with heavy downpours possible

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Waterloo region, saying conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and torrential rain.

The watch includes Kitchener, Arthur, Cambridge, Mount Forest and North Wellington County.

The federal weather agency said wind gusts up to 100 km/h, heavy downpours and nickel-size hail are likely this afternoon or early this evening.

"Scattered thunderstorms are expected to push into the region this afternoon and continue into the early evening as a cold front pushes through," Environment Canada said.

Residents are reminded that strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Water-related activities may be unsafe due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water, Environment Canada said.

The agency said people should also be prepared for severe weather.

"Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches," Environment Canada said, adding that lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.

Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.