Tornado researchers indicate there’s evidence that a tornado “likely occurred” near Bamberg in Wellesley Township on Wednesday evening.
In a Facebook post, the Northern Tornadoes Project, based at Western University in London, Ont., announced that a survey team would be visiting the area on Friday to assess the damage and determine its cause.
There are also indications of tornado-related damage near Tavistock during Wednesday’s storm.
The researchers noted that much of the destruction from Wednesday’s storm was “mostly due to straight-line winds.” They also cautioned that some photos circulating online, including those reportedly taken in Guelph and Paris, were thought to be “AI fakes.”
“These are becoming increasingly prevalent in storm situations,” the researchers say.
Wednesday’s storm resulted in damage and flooding across Toronto, around Barrie, and other southern Ontario regions.
Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak informed CBC reporters that his community experienced “significant” damage.
“I was told there were five barns that have been destroyed, not totally destroyed.. apparently there were no injuries, no animals were hurt,” Nowak said.
Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak stands in front of a fallen tree in the Village of Wellesley on Thursday after a severe thunderstorm moved through the area Wednesday evening. Researchers at Western University say it’s believed a tornado may have touched down near Bamberg in the township. (Lauren Kuivenhoven/CBC)
A housing complex run by the region in the Village of Wellesley suffered damage when a tree fell on its roof.
“I’ve been in touch with the region about that issue and they’ve had at least four residents … who need to be moved to another accommodation, at least temporarily,” Nowak stated.
Between 5:30 p. m. and 9:30 p. m. on Wednesday, Waterloo Regional Police Service reported receiving 64 calls related to hazardous conditions caused by the storm, including downed trees and power lines, traffic signal outages, and localized flooding.
WATCH | Scenes from Wednesday’s storm in downtown Kitchener:
Severe thunderstorm rushes through downtown Kitchener on Wednesday
Strong winds brought cold rain through downtown Kitchener on Wednesday. The intense gusts lasted for about fifteen minutes before easing back into lighter rainfall. Environment Canada issued a red warning for severe thunderstorms that day.
Cleanup efforts continued on Friday across various areas of Waterloo region, Guelph, and Wellington County.
The City of Kitchener has stated that their most urgent cleanup needs have been addressed but urges residents to remain “aware of any remaining damage from upright trees which might fall.”
Crew members are working to clear branches and trees fallen onto city-owned property; however, residents are responsible for cleaning up trees located on their own properties. People can take debris directly to regional waste management sites for disposal.
The City of Waterloo website asks for patience as crews continue cleaning up after the storm and notes it could take several days for all work to be completed.
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