Parts of GTA, cottage country under severe thunderstorm warnings

Parts of the GTA including Toronto were under a severe thunderstorm watch on Tuesday, while parts of cottage country north of the city were briefly under tornado warnings before they were downgraded.

At 4:16 p.m., Environment Canada downgraded the tornado warnings to severe thunderstorm warnings for Barrie, Collingwood, Hillsdale, as well as Orillia-Lagoon City-Washago. But a tornado warning remained in effect for the Grey-Bruce region.

The weather agency said meteorologists were tracking a severe thunderstorm over southern Georgian Bay that could produce a tornado.

“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches,” Environment Canada said.

The weather agency warned of “severe thunderstorm conditions possible” for Tuesday afternoon to evening.

680News meteorologist Jill Taylor said, “Heads up, be prepared … the watch means the conditions are favourable for the development of severe storms, and we’re certainly dealing with that today. A very moist and muggy air mass.”

“The severe weather will stay with us right through the evening hours.”

The thunderstorms are capable of “producing strong wind gusts, damaging hail and heavy rain,” the weather agency said.

The stormy weather turned the Bathesda Golf Course in Whitchurch-Stouffville into a lightning field. Four golfers, including one man who had to be revived, were struck by lightning just after 11:30 a.m., York police said.

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