While a tornado watch was in place Friday night in Wallaceburg, and all of Chatham-Kent, a tornado has been confirmed in the Leamington and Wheatley areas.
Late Friday afternoon, a thunderstorm moved from lower Michigan across Essex County and reached Leamington near 5:40 p.m.,” Environment Canada officials stated.
“Photographs taken at that time support the confirmation of an EF-0 tornado with maximum winds of 130 km/h. The tornado damaged solar panels and a greenhouse.”
A severe thunderstorm ripped through the Wallaceburg area at around 6:30 p.m., and a tornado watch was in place for a few hours.
Environment Canada officials also confirmed an EF-2 tornado occurred near Hawkesville, which is just north of Kitchener, at around 7:30 p.m.
“The tornado formed just west of Hawkesville and tracked southeastward before lifting just southeast of the village,” Environment Canada officials stated.
“The track is estimated to be 6 kilometres in length with a maximum width of 250 metres. Numerous farm buildings were damaged along the tornado’s path, including one well anchored shed that was completely destroyed. Farm equipment weighing up to a ton, including a fork-lift and metal press, were shifted and knocked over at this particular location. Trees and power lines were also snapped.”
Environment Canada officials stated the maximum winds are estimated at 180 km/h for the Hawkesville tornado.
“Fortunately, no injuries have been reported from either tornado,” Environment Canada officials stated.
Environment Canada officials said some of this information may contain preliminary or unofficial details, as it is not their complete or final report.
