Thunderstorm watch, tornado warning lifted (update)

Both a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning have now ended for Waterloo Region. 

Environment Canada was forecasting wind gusts near 90 km/h, rainfall amounts possibly in excess of 50 mm, and nickel size hail on Wednesday.

The weather agency also said tornadoes could not be ruled out. A tornado warning was briefly in effect for the region, but was lifted shortly before 6 p.m. 

Emergency alerts were issued as a result, advising residents to take shelter immediately if threatening weather approaches.