THUNDER BAY — A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Thunder Bay and areas west of the city, as of Friday morning.
According to Environment Canada, the watch means that there is the possibility of wind gusts up to 90 kilometres per hour, toonie sized hail and heavy rainfall.
The warning follows a long line of thunderstorms tracking eastward into the region from the Minnesota border up to Upsala.
There are warnings also out for areas extending west to Kakabeka Falls, Upsala and Atikokan.
Crawford Luke, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said the rain is expected to last upwards of an hour or so, with wind and hail closer to the start of the storm.
Moderate to heavy rain is also expected to stick around after, he added.
This heavy rain may cause flash flooding and significant reductions to visibility.
The public was also cautioned that the thunderstorm may cause damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters.
While the storm will likely be over by noon and break this afternoon, Luke explained that the area may get into a second round later today, particularly raising concerns for Dryden and Fort Frances.
Emergency Management Ontario has recommended for people to take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
