07/23/2021 01:55PM
The severe weather situation just went from bad to worse! This is word for word a Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued by Environment Canada for Quetico tonight (words in parentheses are mine):
"Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for:
Atikokan - Shebandowan - Quetico Park
Upsala - Raith
Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and damaging hail.
Hazards:
Hail 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) in diameter.
Damaging wind gusts to 100 km/h (Roughly 65 Miles Per Hour) . Isolated gusts to 120 km/h (Roughly 75 Miles Per Hour) possible.
A tornado or two are possible.
Where:
Portions of northwestern Ontario including Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, and Atikokan.
When:
Later this afternoon and evening.
Discussion:
Thunderstorms are expected to develop later this afternoon and may become severe with large hail and damaging winds. There is also a risk of a tornado. The thunderstorm risk will end later this evening after a cold front passes through the region.
Very large hail can damage property, break windows, dent vehicles and cause serious injury. Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches."
As you can see, the wind forecasts look scary, but don't forget the hail. 2 inch diameter hail can seriously injure anyone it hits. Also note that tornados have entered the equation. Looks like a wild night for the BWCA and Quetico!