Tornado warning issued for Parry Sound

***5:57 PM Update***

At 5:57 PM Environment Canada replaced the local tornado warning with a severe thunderstorm warning.

At 5:20 PM on Tuesday, Environment Canada issued a Tornado Warning for Parry Sound, Rosseau and Killbear Park.

At 5:35 p.m. Environment Canada said this severe thunderstorm is located near Killbear Park, moving east at 60 km/h.

At 5:41 p.m. Environment Canada said the thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado is located near Killbear Provincial Park, moving northeast at 100 km/h.

New locations impacted include McKellar, Nobel, Lorimer Lake, Grey Owl Lake, McKenzie Lake, Hurdville and Manitouwabing Lake.

Damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall are also possible.

Currently, the agency says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes.

Hazards include large hail up to ping pong ball size, wind gusts of up to 120 km/h and heavy downpours. 

Meteorologists predict that a line of severe thunderstorms is expected to move eastward across the regions this afternoon and into the evening, with some of these storms likely containing tornadoes. 

Officials advise to be prepared for severe weather and take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.

In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions: 

• Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.
• Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can. 
• As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. 

And remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.

Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.