Tornado warning tracked southwest of Ottawa amid thunderstorms

Environment Canada was tracking a severe thunderstorm southwest of Ottawa that was "possibly producing a tornado," according to Environment Canada. As of 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, it was downgraded to a severe thunderstorm watch. 

Environment Canada has also issued severe thunderstorm watches that cover all of eastern Ontario and western Quebec.

Storms have been scattered across the region Wednesday afternoon, causing tornado warnings around Hawkesbury and Bancroft.

Severe thunderstorm watches generally surround Ottawa-Gatineau, extending to the east and southwest. A severe thunderstorm warning is still in place, as of 8:21 p.m. on Wednesday, southeast of Ottawa.

The storms might produce strong wind gusts, large hail and up to 50 millimetres of rain falling within an hour, Environment Canada says.

People are being reminded of the dangers of weather like this and they are asked to take cover if threatening weather approaches.

When a tornado forms, people are advised to stay away from exterior walls and windows, ideally going to a basement or the ground floor. They should also get out of vehicles.

A tornado watch is issued when there's a storm approaching with conditions that could produce a tornado. A warning goes out either when a tornado sighting has been reported or when there's sufficient evidence to suggest a tornado is on the way.

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are likely to produce large hail, damaging winds or torrential rainfall. They are upgraded to warnings when one of those weather elements becomes more certain.