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(Update)
A powerful storm ripped through southwestern and central Ontario last night causing extensive damage, most of it concentrated in the Grand Bend area. Residents say the storm only lasted about 20 minutes, but it left a huge mess in its aftermath that is taking a long time to clean up.
It’s not a pretty sight in Grand Bend. Vehicles lie crushed, poles and power lines are down, and fallen trees block the roads. Cleaning up debris was not how the Relouw’s expected to start the week.
Tony Relouw, home damaged: “Couldn’t believe, looked around. Every window I looked out, the front of the house, every piece of glass has branches against it.”
The Relouw’s are just one of approximately four-thousand customers without power after a severe thunderstorm tore through the Grand Bend area.
Christine Mills, home also damaged: “Oh, it was pretty scary. The kids were intimidated, a lot going on. Not quite sure how long it was going to last. And the wind picked up for quite awhile. Pouring rain. Trying to see what damage was done.”
Unlike a typical storm, Hydro One says this one took an unusual path.
Mike Gibbings, Hydro One: “This storm was unique in that it’s concentrated in this area, but we also have other pockets that we have poles down that are being replaced right now.”
Hydro One says this a major cleanup. It’s called in outside crews as well as a forestry team to help get power restored as soon as possible.
Hydro doesn’t have a damage estimate, but it’s clear it’s quite extensive. Downed trees fell into the streets and onto homes.
Mike Gibbings: “We’ve got to get a guy up into the roof, into the attic to see if the roof tresses are cracked. They think that there may be structural damage to the roof from the tree.”
As cleanup progresses, residents are urged to be cautious.
Mike Gibbings: “If you see downed power lines, make sure no one goes near them. Call in and we’ll have our crews go out and make it into a safe condition.”
Hydro expects power to be fully restored by midnight.
Environment Canada confirms a tornado touched down in the community of Grand Bend on the southeastern shore of Lake Huron. The weather service says an EF1 twister with winds between 155 and 175 km/h hit the area Sunday night.
