Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Hamilton

There's a severe thunderstorm watch in effect for Hamilton.

Environment Canada issued the watch just after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, as conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms to develop into this evening.

The storm can consist of strong winds up to 100 kilometres per hour, large hail and heavy rainfall of 50 mm an hour.

The weather service says large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings and break branches off trees. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

The afternoon is expected to reach a high of 26 C with the humidex at 34. Showers should peeter off overnight.

Check back at Environment Canada for updates on these developing conditions.

Delaney Caulfield is a Hamilton-based web editor at The Spectator. Reach her via email: dcaulfield@thespec.com