TORONTO - Watches and warnings remain in effect for much of southwestern Ontario Wednesday as the hot humid air that moved through the area is being followed by a cold front powering severe thunderstorms.

A tornado warning is in effect for:

  • Windsor - Essex - Chatham-Kent
  • Dunnville - Caledonia - Haldimand
  • Niagara
  • Simcoe - Delhi - Norfolk
  • Elgin

Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch for:

  • City of Toronto
  • Windsor - Essex - Chatham-Kent
  • Sarnia - Lambton
  • Elgin
  • London - Middlesex
  • Simcoe - Delhi - Norfolk
  • Dunnville - Caledonia - Haldimand
  • Oxford - Brant
  • Niagara
  • City of Hamilton
  • Halton - Peel
  • York - Durham
  • Belleville - Quinte - Northumberland
  • Peterborough - Kawartha Lakes
  • Bancroft - Bon Echo Park
  • Parry Sound - Muskoka
  • Haliburton
  • Renfrew - Pembroke - Barry's Bay
  • Algonquin

    A severe thunderstorm warning was also issued for numerous areas from Chatham-Kent in the west to Toronto in the east.

    There is a risk that severe thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes could develop near Lake Huron mid-afternoon and elsewhere in the late afternoon or early evening.

    The storms could include large hail, damaging wind, torrential downpours and lightning. They could also produce tornadoes.

    Residents are asked to monitor weather conditions and listen for updated bulletins.

    The lengthy list of warnings comes after Environment Canada had also issued a humidex advisory for the Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton areas.

    Temperatures in those areas were expected to reach 30C on Wednesday, but feel closer to 40C with the humidity.

    Actions to take in case of a tornado

    If you're at a house, go to the basement, stay away from windows, cover yourself and crouch down as low as possible.

    If you're at an apartment or tall building, go to the stairwell or center of the building, inside a closet or bathtub on the lowest floor and take cover while crouching as low as possible.

    If you're travelling, park the car and take shelter in a sturdy building on the lowest floor or in any nearby lowest safe elevation such as a ditch.