Downed trees, damage reported after possible tornado near Ayr, Ont.

Tornado watches remain in effect for parts of Ontario.

A tornado watch is in effect for several areas, including Kitchener, Waterloo, Brantford, Brant County, Woodstock and Oxford County.

Environment Canada says strong storms capable of producing tornadoes are moving through the area. They said this is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.

Area residents are encouraged to be prepared and take shelter immediately if threatening weather approaches.

“In the event of a tornado or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended that you take the following steps: Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from exterior walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers, and other temporary or self-contained shelters and move into a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie low and protect your head from flying debris. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when the thunder rolls, get in the house!”

Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for areas near Guelph, Hamilton and Puslinch.

A possible tornado was reported just outside of Ayr around 10:50 a.m. Saturday.

A possible tornado has been reported in the Ayr area. On August 17, 2024. (Shelby Knox/CTV News)

Drivers in the area could see what appeared to be a tornado in the area of ​​Greenfield Road.

Several trees were snapped in half and drivers were forced to navigate the debris-strewn road carefully.

Broken trees are seen in the area of ​​Greenfield Road after a possible tornado was reported near Ayr, Ont. on August 17, 2024 (Shelby Knox/CTV News)

Greenfield Road was impassable as a large tree lay across the road and oil lines were down.

A tree is down on Greenfield Road after a possible tornado was reported near Ayr, Ont. on August 17, 2024. (Shelby Knox/CTV News)

It is not yet known if anyone was injured, but several fire trucks were seen in the area.

A local Home Hardware store on the corner of Greenfield Road and Northumberland Street was badly damaged, with timber strewn across the car park. Part of the roof of the building appeared to have been torn off.