UPDATE: Tornado warning ended for Lanark area

UPDATE: The tornado warning ended later on the evening of Wednesday, June 24.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Environment Canada has issued a Tornado Warning for several municipalities in Lanark County.

“At 7:44 PM EDT, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm that is possibly producing a tornado. Damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall are also possible,” Environment Canada said.

Locations impacted include Smiths Falls, Perth, Westport, Elmgrove, Port Elmsley, Lower Rideau Lake, Glenview and Lombardy.

Tornado warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing tornadoes.

According to the weather service, a radar confirmed that a tornado is located 7 kilometres southwest of Perth, moving east at 45 km/h.

“This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately. 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 shelter, and move to a strong building if you can,” Environment Canada advised.

“As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris,” Environment Canada continued.

“Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year,” Environment Canada said.

“Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors! Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.”