Statement by Environment and Climate Change Canada: Tornados in Ottawa and Gatineau

September 23, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario

Environment and Climate Change Canada, today issued the following statement on the tornados that touched down in Ottawa and Gatineau.

“One severe thunderstorm produced a tornado that tracked over Kinburn, Dunrobin and Gatineau between approximately 4:40 pm and 5:20 pm, Friday, September 21. This tornado damaged or destroyed numerous buildings, overturned vehicles and snapped many trees and hydro poles. There were also reports of multiple injuries including several people that were critically injured. Preliminary assessment of the damage indicates that this was a high end EF-3 (Enhanced Fujita) tornado with wind speeds up to 265 km/h.

“A second severe thunderstorm produced a tornado in the neighbourhood of Arlington Woods in Ottawa near 6:00 pm, Friday, September 21. This tornado significantly damaged buildings and snapped many trees and hydro poles. Preliminary assessment of the damage indicates that this was a high end EF-2 tornado with wind speeds up to 220 km/h.

“Environment and Climate Change Canada Warning Preparedness Meteorologists in Ontario and Quebec continue to conduct damage surveys to determine the exact tracks of these tornadoes and confirm the intensities.

“Any reports of damage can be sent to Environment and Climate Change Canada by emailing ONStorm@canada.ca or tweeting reports using #onstorm.

“Environment and Climate Change Canada is the country’s official source for weather information and severe weather warnings. A tornado warning was issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada prior to the tornadoes’ arrival on all communications channels including Twitter, Weatheradio, automated telephone services and was provided to TV and radio broadcasters, cable companies and wireless and internet services providers through Alert Ready.

“ECCC provides routine weather information and summaries to inform Canadians of weather events and their results happening across the country.”