Tornado Warning Issued as Dangerous Thunderstorm Targets Parts of GTA

A tornado warning has been issued for parts of the western Greater Toronto Area as a dangerous severe thunderstorm moves through southern Ontario.

Environment Canada issued the red-level warning for Mississauga and Brampton at 12:19 p.m. Saturday, saying meteorologists were tracking a storm that could be producing a tornado just east of Milton. The system was moving southeast at 40 km/h, with Milton, Mississauga and Oakville in its path.

The weather agency described the situation as “very dangerous and potentially life-threatening.” The storm could also produce wind gusts of up to 90 km/h, large hail and 15 to 30 millimetres of heavy rain.

Residents in the warned area were told to take cover immediately in a basement, interior room or sturdy shelter. Anyone without shelter should lie in a low area and protect their head from flying debris.

A broader severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for Toronto and parts of Peel, York, Durham, Halton and Hamilton. Environment Canada said a cold front moving southeast from Michigan could generate a line of storms through the early afternoon.

Under the watch, the strongest storms could bring gusts of up to 110 km/h, quarter- to ping-pong-ball-sized hail and 25 to 40 millimetres of rain. Officials warned of possible power outages, property damage, flash flooding and sharply reduced visibility, urging residents to secure loose objects and monitor alerts.