Tornado warning ends for Chatham

Environment Canada has ended a tornado warning for Chatham-Kent – Rondeau Park after warning that a severe thunderstorm may have been producing a tornado.

At 7:28 p.m. Friday, meteorologists said they were tracking an area of severe thunderstorms that was possibly producing a tornado.

The warning carried an extreme impact level and very high forecast confidence.

In addition to the tornado threat, the storm was expected to bring damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall.

Environment Canada had urged residents to take cover immediately in a basement, interior room or sturdy shelter when threatening weather approached.

If no shelter was available, people were advised to lie in a low-lying area and protect their heads from flying debris.

Boaters were advised to return to shore and seek shelter if possible. If unable to reach shore, they were advised to move away from the tornado’s path, wear a lifejacket, lie face down and protect their heads.

Tornado warnings are issued when a thunderstorm is producing or is likely to produce a tornado.