A rainfall warning was issued for Sarnia and Lambton county on Wednesday evening.
Following an afternoon of thunderstorms throughout the region, Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning for Sarnia-Lambton after rainfall amounts between 20-40 millimetres have already fallen throughout the day.
"Additional showers and thunderstorms have the potential to result in total rainfall amounts near 50 mm by midnight," a statement from the weather agency read. "Showers and thunderstorms are expected to taper to scattered light showers overnight."
At around 5 p.m., Environment Canada issued an alert saying thunderstorms are expected during the day and into the evening.
A severe thunderstorm watch was initially issued for Sarnia-Lambton at around 10 a.m. The watch was later upgraded to a warning before it was eventually downgraded back to a watch.
The weather agency said the thunderstorms may be capable of producing strong wind gusts near 90 km/h, nickel size hail and torrential downpours with rainfall amounts possibly in excess of 50 mm. The alert said tornadoes also can not be ruled out.
Residents are reminded that large hail can damage property and cause injury, and that strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. The agency said it's also important to remember that there isn't a place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm.
Motorists are reminded that heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that the public take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
