Torrential rain, strong winds and tornado risk loom over southern Ontario
Written by The Canadian Press on September 2, 2026
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the Greater Toronto Area and much of southern Ontario as Environment Canada warns of heavy rain, large hail and the risk of a tornado.
The weather office says conditions are favourable for strong thunderstorms to develop this afternoon ahead of an advancing cold front.
The severe orange alert stretches from near Sarnia east to Peterborough and north to Barrie, with areas such as Windsor and parts of cottage country under a yellow watch.
Environment Canada says hard-hit areas could see torrential downpours, ping pong-sized hail and wind gusts up to 110 kilometres an hour.
It says there is still some uncertainty about the strength of the thunderstorms, but the primary concern is the possibility for damaging winds and torrential rains.
It comes after parts of Ontario were lit up with lightning strikes and inundated by heavy rains by passing storms this morning.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 2, 2026.
The Canadian Press