Two tornadoes have been confirmed in southwestern Ontario following severe storms that brought strong winds, heavy rain and damage to parts of the region. Environment Canada issued a tornado warning Saturday as meteorologists tracked a severe thunderstorm over the Orr’s Lake area in Cambridge. The warning said the storm was capable of producing a tornado, as well as damaging winds, large hail and locally intense rainfall. The storm was moving east at about 30 km/h, with Orr’s Lake and Galt listed among the areas in its path. The warning was issued as severe weather moved through other parts of southwestern Ontario, before the Northern Tornadoes Project later confirmed two EF0 tornadoes in Lindsay and Woodstock. Dr. David Sills, director of the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University’s Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, said the damage reported so far has been minor. However, the investigation in the Woodstock area is continuing as researchers assess new reports of damage to help determine the tornado’s track. Sills said there may also have been tornado damage southwest of Woodstock, but no damage reports have been received from that area. Kitchener Blues Festival performances paused The storms also caused damage and disruptions throughout Waterloo Region. In downtown Kitchener, the Kitchener Blues Festival was forced to temporarily pause performances Saturday because of a tornado warning in the area. Festival organizers said the pause was made to protect patrons, volunteers, artists and staff. Performances later resumed at the Europro Stage, with Miss Emily, Steve Hill and The Sugar Darlings scheduled to perform. The YNC Stage at city hall also resumed performances, while performances at the OLG Stage remained paused pending further updates. Some vendors at the festival said their tents were blown over and damaged during the storm, along with some of the goods they were selling. Woodstock crews begin cleanup The City of Kitchener said crews continued cleanup efforts Sunday, assessing and clearing additional tree damage from sidewalks, boulevards and parks. A tree contractor was also brought in to help remove larger fallen trees and debris. The city’s cricket pitch sustained damage during the storm and was closed Sunday. Damage reported across Waterloo Region There have also been reports of flooding and damage elsewhere in Waterloo Region, including Soper Park in Galt and damage to vehicles. A North Dumfries Township spokesperson said the municipality was “spared from the brunt of [Saturday’s] high winds and rainfall. “[There was] limited damage to the road network, parks or facilities. Crews [Monday] and through the early part of this coming week will deal with the localized areas where spot repairs or cleanup are required,” an email statement to CTV News read in part. CTV News has reached out to other municipalities across the region for updates on storm damage and cleanup efforts.
