Ottawa under tornado watch on Monday, alerts dropped

A tornado watch was in effect for Ottawa and much of the surrounding area Monday. It was dropped around 7 p.m. Monday evening.

Environment Canada issued a tornado watch for the nation’s capital where conditions were favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms.

Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain were expected.

Many across the Ottawa region reported torrential rain throughout the day.

The alert from Environment Canada stated “A line or area of thunderstorms is expected to push eastward through eastern Ontario this afternoon,” Environment Canada’s tornado watch reads. “In addition, the moist airmass will allow for storms to produce torrential downpours.”

A brief tornado warning was issued for Prescott and Russell, Ont. but was dropped shortly after.

In the event of a tornado, Environment Canada recommends residents take the following actions:

• Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.
• Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelters, and move to a strong building if you can.
•  As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. 

To monitor alerts and forecasts, visit the Environment Canada website.