Environment Canada has issued a tornado warning for parts of Central Frontenac and western Lanark county, about 100 kilometres southwest of Ottawa.
The warning went into effect Thursday afternoon.
As of 6:20 p.m., tornado watches are also in effect for western Quebec and parts of eastern Ontario including Pembroke, Bancroft and Barry’s Bay.
A severe thunderstorm warning is also in effect for the region around Ottawa and South Frontenac. It also went into effect Thursday afternoon.
In areas around Ottawa, conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms that may produce a tornado in the afternoon and early evening.
Tornado watches mean conditions are favourable for possible tornadoes, while tornado warnings mean a tornado has been reported or there’s good evidence one is imminent. The same is true of severe thunderstorm warnings and watches.
If a tornado forms, residents are advised to stay away from exterior walls and windows, ideally in a basement or on the ground floor, and to get out of vehicles.
Forecasters say the storm could also bring winds gusting over 100 km/h, heavy rain and large hail.