Residents in Toronto are without power after a storm hit the city late this afternoon.

A spokesperson for Toronto Hydro said that the majority of power outage complaints are coming from the North York area.

Toronto Hydro said that fallen trees were likely the cause of the blackouts. Crews have been dispatched to investigate and restore power.

Severe thunderstorm warnings remain in effect for much of southern and eastern Ontario.

Environment Canada says such storms can produce damaging winds, lightning and large hail.

Emergency management officials recommend seeking shelter immediately when threatening weather approaches.

Environment Canada says a strong cold front from lower Michigan will sweep eastward across southern Ontario this afternoon and evening.

The thunderstorm warning should end for areas near Lake Huron and over southwestern Ontario by mid-afternoon.

The threat won't begin until later this afternoon in eastern Ontario and will persist into early evening.

There have been reports that the weather has affected commuter transit.

An eastbound GO Train from Toronto's Union station to Pickering has been cancelled due to severe weather.

Another train heading westbound to Hamilton has also stopped west of the Clarkson station due to a fallen tree on the tracks.

With files from The Canadian Press