Durham Region is facing an elevated risk of severe thunderstorms on Wednesday, September 2, with forecasters warning that damaging winds, large hail, torrential rain and localized flooding are all possible.
Environment Canada alerts issued Wednesday show that communities across Durham Region are being affected by severe thunderstorm warnings or watches. The Durham severe storm risk includes Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock, with different parts of the region facing varying levels of risk as storms move through southern Ontario.
In southern Durham Region, Environment Canada warned that a line of severe thunderstorms was moving east at about 50 km/h. Communities identified as potentially affected included Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa. Forecasters said the main hazards included strong wind gusts, hail and heavy rainfall, with 30 to 50 millimetres of rain possible in less than an hour in some locations.
The heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding, reduced visibility and difficult driving conditions. Large hail may also damage property and create a risk of injury, particularly for anyone caught outdoors during the strongest storms.
Clarington also faces severe weather threat
Areas farther east in Durham were also included in severe weather alerts. Environment Canada identified Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville, Orono, Port Darlington and Newcastle among communities that could be affected as the storm system continued moving east.
Those communities place much of Clarington within the area of concern as storms pass through the eastern portion of Durham Region.
Northern Durham Region is also facing severe weather concerns. The Uxbridge-Beaverton alert area covers northern parts of the region, including communities in Uxbridge and Brock Township.
Environment Canada said conditions were favourable for thunderstorms capable of producing torrential downpours, quarter- to golf-ball-sized hail and wind gusts reaching up to 90 km/h.
Port Perry and surrounding areas of Scugog were also under a severe thunderstorm watch Wednesday. Forecasts called for periods of heavy rain and a continued risk of thunderstorms, with additional showers or storms possible later in the day.
Residents urged to watch changing conditions
The Durham severe storm risk comes as a large portion of southern Ontario remains under the threat of active weather.
Forecasters have warned that the atmospheric conditions could support some of the strongest thunderstorms of the year, although cloud cover could limit the intensity of storm development in some areas.
Residents are being advised to monitor changing conditions throughout Wednesday because severe thunderstorms can develop quickly and weather conditions may vary considerably between municipalities.
Environment Canada recommends heading indoors when thunder is heard and avoiding flooded roads. Drivers should prepare for sudden reductions in visibility during torrential rain.
Residents may also want to secure loose outdoor objects that could be moved or damaged by strong wind gusts. Localized power outages are possible if severe weather damages trees or electrical infrastructure.
Anyone outdoors when severe weather approaches should seek sturdy shelter and remain away from windows. Lightning, large hail, strong winds and flying debris can pose serious risks even during relatively brief storms.
The Durham severe storm risk remains an important concern Wednesday as unstable conditions continue across southern Ontario. Durham residents are encouraged to check Environment Canada warnings regularly for the latest information affecting their municipality.
