Four things you need to know about Wednesday
Digital Reporter
Wednesday, June 18, 2014, 7:58 AM - Wondering what you missed overnight or what you can expect for the day ahead?
Here's your weather briefing for Wednesday, June 18.
1. Tornado touch down in Angus, Ontario
Ontario's third tornado of the season, with a track from Angus to Barrie, was confirmed Tuesday night.
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A cold front spawned a number of severe thunderstorms with reports of heavy downpours, gusty winds and frequent lightning throughout the day.
Based on a damage assessment Tuesday night, the tornado in Angus was rated as a low end EF-2, with estimated wind speeds of near 180 km/h.
A survey team will return to the area today to further assess the nature and severity of the damage associated with the tornado.
Earlier in the day, four golfers were struck by lightning on a course near Stouffville, leaving a 60-year-old man with critical injuries.
2. Severe storm threat continues in southwestern Ontario
As residents across the region begin to pick up the pieces, a severe weather threat remains in place in southwestern Ontario Wednesday.
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"Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong winds and heavy rain," warns Environment Canada. "There is potential for local rainfall amounts of near 50 mm in an hour or less from the strongest thunderstorms."
In addition to the heavy rain, wind gusts up to 90 km/h, frequent lightning and small hail are also possible.
3. Southern Albertans on evacuation alert
Some residents in southern Alberta are on evacuation alert as heavy rains have been soaking an area that was swamped by devastating floods one year ago.
ANALYSIS ON 2013 FLOODING IN ALBERTA: Two must-read, expert analysis columns from The Weather Network meteorology department. READ: Why So Much Rain? | ALSO: It Could Happen Again
"A low pressure system moving across the northern United States will continue to bring significant rainfall to southern Alberta today," said Environment Canada in a rainfall warning early Wednesday. "Additional rainfall amounts of 50 to 70 millimetres are expected in the southwestern foothills before rainfall tapers off Thursday morning where storm totals may exceed 200 mm."
Further north and east, 40 to 60 mm of rain has been recorded so far.
States of emergency are in effect in Lethbridge county, the Municipal District of Willow Creek and Crowsnest Pass. Medicine Hat Mayor Ted Clugston also declared a state of emergency in the city late Tuesday night.
With a heavy heart we have declared a state of emergency tonight. I want everyone to know that the city is prepared and this council cares.
— Ted Clugston (@tedclugston) June 18, 2014
A widespread thunderstorm risk stretches across the southern Prairies Wednesday, with the potential for severe weather in southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba. Heavy rain and an isolated tornado are not out of the question.
4. Widespread thunderstorm risk in the Maritimes
Rain and possible thunderstorms are forecast across the Maritimes today with upwards of 30 mm forecast in the hardest hit areas.
Ahead of this system, strong southeast winds gusting to 90 km/h are expected to develop.
"Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions due to high winds. Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur," warns EC. "Secure loose objects on your property and anticipate power interruptions."
MAP: Thunderstorm risk for the Maritimes today. More on TV with @chris_m_twn & @NateTWN. #nbstorm #nsstorm #meteoqc pic.twitter.com/nxH9CflCst
— The Weather Network (@weathernetwork) June 18, 2014
