Strong winds are wreaking havoc across the Municipality, as a wind warning remains in effect across Chatham-Kent.
Environment Canada officials say strong winds, with gusts up to 100 km/h, are occurring across the region.
The Blazin BBQ restaurant in Chatham has been impacted by the strong winds.
The tall sign outside the 435 St Clair St. business has been knocked over, and it has fallen on top of two vehicles (see photos below).
Details are limited about the incident.
A traffic light at Selkirk Street and Dufferin Avenue intersection in Wallaceburg has also been damaged by the wind, and was dangling form its base at around 1:30 p.m.
Multiple fire stations are responding to downed hydro, cable and telephone lines and poles across the community.
Area police are also issuing warnings about the wind:
Strong winds across West Region. Numerous lights out. Treat intersections as a four-way stop! Be safe
— OPP West (@OPP_WR) 8 March 2017
Wind causing problems with down hydro wires and branches. If you find wires down call in and stay away. Crews will be busy so be patient.
— Sarnia Police (@SarniaPolice) 8 March 2017
Environment Canada officials say the wind will begin to diminish early this evening.
“The wind may be strong enough at times to cause minor tree and building damage. Local power outages are also possible. Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions due to high winds.”
Wind warnings are issued when there is a significant risk of damaging winds, Environment Canada officials said.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
To report severe weather, send an email to ec.cpio-tempetes-ospc-storms.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
Here are some photos of the Blazin BBQ sign taken by Tami Eagen:
– Photo credit: Tami Eagen
