Environment Canada has lifted its severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings for the Waterloo region, Guelph, and nearby areas.
The alert was issued on Wednesday due to severe thunderstorms and the chance of a tornado.
Just before 5 p. m. on Wednesday, the weather service sent out an emergency alert to some mobile phones throughout Waterloo region and surrounding areas, warning about damaging winds in the area. Environment Canada mentions that severe thunderstorms can lead to tornadoes.
WATCH | Severe thunderstorm rushes through downtown Kitchener on Wednesday :
Severe thunderstorm rushes through downtown Kitchener on Wednesday
Strong winds pushed cold rain in waves across downtown Kitchener on Wednesday. The intense gusts lasted around fifteen minutes before returning to lighter rainfall. Environment Canada had issued a red warning for severe thunderstorms earlier that day.
Some residents in Waterloo region and Guelph received two tornado alerts at 5:08 p. m. and again at 5:34 p. m., both advising people to seek immediate shelter if threatening weather was nearby.
Damaging wind gusts exceeding 110 km/h could happen, along with hail ranging from quarter-sized to ping-pong-ball-sized, as well as local rainfall amounts reaching up to 50 mm.
A tornado watch for London and neighboring areas has also been called off.
In the Waterloo region and Guelph area, Environment Canada warned that utility outages could occur because of strong winds, noting that serious damage to property, buildings, and trees may take place. There’s also a risk of significant injury.
Residents are urged to take cover right away if dangerous weather approaches, ideally in a basement or an interior room. If you’re outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail.
“When thunder roars, go indoors,” Environment Canada advises.
People should keep an eye on alerts and forecasts as storms continue developing.
Power outages in Kitchener and Waterloo
Enova Power reports outages in several parts of Kitchener and Waterloo.
The power outage map indicates no electricity in areas like Doon South, Wilmot Centre, Wellesley, Victoria Park, Beechwood, among others.
Enova Power states there are multiple locations without power in Kitchener as of Wednesday evening due to the severe thunderstorm passing through. (Aastha Shetty/CBC)
There are also reports of power outages in Cambridge from Grand Bridge Energy.
Affected regions included Ayr, Preston, and surrounding areas. Most of those areas had their power restored by 7 p. m.
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