Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for Hamilton, Halton, Niagara

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Hamilton, Halton and Niagara regions as strong winds and hail pummel the area.

Environment Canada says it is possible for wind gusts to reach 90 km/hr on Wednesday with hail pieces predicted to be as large as a ping-pong ball.

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds and/or torrential rainfall.

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A collection of storms travelling over the Great Lakes is expected to track eastward across Ontario.

The Lakes remain very cold at this time and this creates uncertainty as to how large the thunderstorms could get.

Environment Canada reminds residents that severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes and large hail can damage property and cause injury.