An apparent tornado touched down in Ayr, Ont., on Saturday morning following an emergency warning issued by Environment Canada, downing trees and power lines and causing heavy damage to at least one home and business.
The weather agency's meteorologists said they were tracking a severe thunderstorm near Plattsville that could produce a tornado, prompting it to issue an official tornado warning for parts of Waterloo region and surrounding areas.
According to North Dumfries fire Chief Robert Shantz, a tornado touched down around 11 a.m. ET. An official with the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) at Western University also said it was a tornado.
Environment Canada hasn't yet confirmed the weather system touched down, but told CBC News there were indications of debris in Ayr on the radar.
Ayr resident Kelly Bebenek said that of the 70 trees on her property, only four remain.
She said the tornado broke two new windows installed in her house on Friday. It also ripped the roof off her daughter's bedroom and water began entering the house.
"I go between laughing and crying," Bebenek said.
Dave Sills, executive director of the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) at Western University in London, Ont., also said a tornado hit Ayr. The project investigates tornadoes across the country.
His team arrived on scene from London, Ont., to conduct a damage survey — including assessing the tornado's length, width and strength.
Sills said there have been few strong tornadoes in southern Ontario this year.
"We'll see if this is an exception," he said.
In a news release Saturday afternoon, the Township of North Dumfries said there was a "localized cluster of extensive damage" along Greenfield Road W., between Trussler Road and Northumberland Street.
The release attributes the damage to a significant summer storm, consisting of heavy winds, heavy rainfall and lightning. It does not refer to a tornado.
Many large trees are down on Greenfield Road West, which was closed to traffic, the release said. There were also downed power lines on the road near Northumberland Street.
Cowan Park and the Northumberland Street corridor, close to the Greenfield Road intersection, also sustained extensive damage.
Emergency crews and GrandBridge Energy were on scene, the release said. Hydro was out in the area and was gradually being restored.
"It is anticipated that the power outage in and immediately adjacent [to the] the high impact zone will be out for an extended time period," the township said.
No injuries are being reported from "high impact properties," the release added.
North Dumfries Mayor Sue Foxton asked residents to stay off Northumberland Street. She said a number of cars are driving down the road to see the damage, preventing emergency vehicles from getting through.
"Lets really take care of this situation by allowing people… to do the best job they can as quickly as they can," she said.
Trudy Kidd, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said if there is no indication of touchdown, it would be considered a funnel cloud. They are still investigating.
Shantz added the local Home Hardware store sustained heavy damage.
The hardware store and surrounding businesses were evacuated and no injuries were reported.
North Dumfries fire crews remain on the scene due to the smell of natural gas.
Meanwhile, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) say Greenfield Drive between Trussler and Northumberland is closed due to downed trees and hydro poles.
"Do not approach or drive over a downed power line and do not touch anything it may be in contact with," a post by WRPS on social media said.
"Downed wires should always be considered energized or "live," and extremely dangerous."
Many residents received notifications on their phone Saturday morning around 10:43 a.m., warning them of the potentially hazardous weather.
Another alert was issued shortly after at 11:03 a.m.
The weather agency was advising residents to take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches and notes this is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.
Environment Canada says tornado warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing tornadoes.
Environment Canada also issued a tornado watch for Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo late Saturday morning, but it has since been downgraded to a severe thunderstorm watch.
Wind gusts could reach up to 90km/h with toonie-sized hail and heavy downpours.
A rainfall warning is also in effect for the region. Between 50 and 100 mm of rain are expected to fall, the weather agency said.
Rain is expected to continue into Sunday.
The Home Hardware Damage
The Home Hardware store in Ayr, Ontario, was among the hardest-hit businesses in the area. The tornado ripped off portions of the roof and walls, scattering debris across the parking lot. The store, along with surrounding businesses, were evacuated, and fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
Power Outages and Road Closures
The storm also caused widespread power outages in the area, with approximately 2,500 customers losing power. GrandBridge Energy crews are working to restore power to the remaining 200 customers still in the dark. Greenfield Road West between Trussler Road and Northumberland Street, as well as the Northumberland Street corridor near the Greenfield Road intersection, remain without power.
The township has asked drivers to avoid the Greenfield Road area while cleanup continues, as traffic congestion is hindering emergency crews. Greenfield Drive between Trussler and Northumberland remains closed due to downed trees and hydro poles. The Waterloo Regional Police Service is urging drivers to avoid downed power lines and to consider them energized and extremely dangerous.
Community Support and Recovery
Despite the significant damage and disruption, the community in Ayr has come together to support those affected by the storm. Ayr Foodland has donated bottled water to crews working on cleanup and to residents who rely on well systems for water.
Local residents, like Geoff Wheeler, are relying on their community and neighbors to help rebuild. "We all stick together during this," Wheeler said. "I think we all have a good community, good neighbors. We’ll help each other out for the next little while."
Looking Ahead
While the immediate threat of the tornado has passed, the cleanup and recovery process will continue. The Township of North Dumfries is assessing the damage and working to restore services. Residents are urged to stay informed and follow the advice of emergency officials.
