A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the Ottawa area.

Environment Canada issued the warning at 2:43 p.m.

The warning is in effect for Gatineau, Ottawa, Kanata, Orleans, Smiths Falls, Perth, Lanark County, RIchmond, Metcalfe, and Sharbot Lake.

Environment Canada says the thunderstorm is capable of producing very strong wind gusts, heavy rain, and dime to nickel size hail.

More to come.