Updated statement by Environment and Climate Change Canada: Six tornadoes now confirmed in eastern Ontario and Quebec on September 21

September 27, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario

Today, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued the following updated statement on the tornadoes that hit Quebec and eastern Ontario—on Friday, September 21,2018—and devastated countless families and communities across the region.

“At approximately 4:15 p.m., a tornado developed over Calabogie and tracked to White Lake. Several houses had their roofs damaged and many trees were snapped or uprooted. Damage assessment indicates that this was an Enhanced Fujita scale 1 (EF-1) tornado with winds estimated to be up to 175 km/h.“

“A second tornado tracked from 10 km west of Kinburn across Dunrobin and Gatineau, between 4:40 p.m. and 5:20 p.m. 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 who were critically injured. Preliminary assessment of the damage indicates that this was a powerful EF-3 tornado with wind speeds of up to 265 km/h.“

“A third tornado tracked from the Arlington Woods to Greenboro areas in Ottawa, near 6:00 p.m. This tornado significantly damaged buildings and snapped many trees and hydro poles. Assessment of the damage indicates that this was an EF-2 tornado with wind speeds of up to 220 km/h.“

“In addition, through reports of damage and satellite pictures, three EF-1 tornadoes are confirmed:

• At around 5:00 p.m., in the Val-des-Bois, Quebec, area. Many snapped trees and damaged buildings were detected along a 13 kilometres tornado track visible on satellite images.
• At around 3:30 p.m., near the Baskatong Reservoir, Quebec. Trees were snapped and power lines affected along a 10 kilometres path.
• Located 25 kilometres north of Otter Lake, Quebec, another path about 3 kilometres in length cut through woodlands.“

“Environment and Climate Change Canada’s staff continue to survey and assess additional reports of wind damage from other locations.“

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

Please note that this summary contains preliminary information and does not constitute a complete or final report.