Thunderstorms, high winds, possible hail headed to Hamilton, Niagara area

The weather may take a turn for the ugly this afternoon (August 10) in both Hamilton and the Niagara area, from Grimsby down to Fort Erie.

While earlier today, it looked like both Niagara and Hamilton had escaped the severe thunderstorm warning that the GTA and south-east Ontario were being cautioned about, as of 1 pm, Environment Canada has since changed its tune and is now including both areas.

In both areas, the weather agency is warning, “Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail.”

Large hail means “Toonie size hail,” accompanied by wind gusts near 90 km/h.

While Hamilton and Niagara had previously been excluded, they updated, noting, “A few thunderstorms are expected to track southeastward (towards Niagara) through the afternoon. The primary threat with these thunderstorms is hail.”

The good news is it won’t last. “Thunderstorms are expected to move out of the area this evening.”