Ottawa and surrounding area clear of severe thunderstorm warnings and watches

The City of Ottawa is no longer under a severe thunderstorm watch.

Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning just after 2:30 p.m. warning of strong winds, heavy rain and nickel-sized hail.

The warning was is in place for Ottawa, Kanata and Orléans but has been downgraded to a watch.

Environment Canada said the storm has weakened or moved out of the region.

The severe thunderstorm watch stretched across much of eastern Ontario including Smiths Falls, Carlton Place, Kingston and Cornwall.

Meteorologists are forecasted extreme rainfall of 40-70 mm and wind gusts reaching 90 km/h.

It was anticipated that these winds could be strong enough to toss loose objects, damage buildings and even tip large vehicles over.

Unlike recent thunderstorms in the Ottawa area, Environment Canada did not advise of possible tornadoes but said they are possible with thunderstorms.