Parts of the GTA are seeing heavy wind, rain and hail as a series of fall thunderstorms sweep through the region.
Environment Canada issued a number of weather advisories Monday warning of foggy conditions, possible thunderstorms and high winds.
A severe thunderstorm warning was Monday afternoon for northern York Region, including Newmarket and Georgina. Environment Canada also issued severe thunderstorm watches for other parts of the GTA, including northern Durham Region.
The agency said large hail, damaging winds and torrential rainfall could be part of the storms.
Collingwood’s fire chief said at least one building has been damaged by strong winds in the area. Environment Canada Meteorologist Geoff Coulson said the building was likely damaged by a downburst that developed along with a line of strong storms over Georgian Bay.
Coulson said Lake Simcoe Airport near Barrie recorded a peak wind burst of 115 kilometres per hour as the storm passed through shortly before 4 p.m.
Ontario Provincial Police also reported downed wires, branches and localized flooding in the area.
PowerStream said hydro service for many customers in Barrie was being impacted by heavy rain, lightning and hail.
Hydro One said it was working to restore power to 14,300 customersaffected by the storms.
The storm warnings follow an earlier fog advisory for Toronto and most of the GTA that warned that travel could be hazardous due to near-zero visibility in many areas.
The fog advisory came to an end shortly before 5 p.m.
However dozens of flights have been cancelled because of the fog. Porter airlines reported heavy cancellations and delays and Pearson International Airport advised travelers to check the status of flights before leaving for the airport.
The wet weather comes as Toronto sees a wet day with showers on and off. A return to sunshine is expected on Wednesday with a high of 20 C expected. However the rain will be back Thursday and Friday, along with cooler temperatures between 9 C and 14 C.
