As cleanup continues after Wednesday’s severe storm system, evidence has emerged suggesting tornadoes may have touched down in and around Waterloo Region.
The Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP), a research initiative based out of Western University, said its damage survey team was busy throughout southern Ontario in the aftermath of the midweek storm, saying they saw evidence confirming plenty of activity around the region, including the Bamberg area of Wellesley Township.
“The NTP survey team documented an EF1 downburst in the Brodhagen area (West Perth), and we now have evidence that tornadoes likely occurred in the Bamberg and Tavistock areas,” said NTP.
“The survey team will be back out investigating these and other damage areas tomorrow (Friday).”
Further areas impacting Toronto and Orr Lake, including the severe damage seen at Rogers Stadium, are said to have been caused by downbursts, with “ratings still to be determined.”
It comes as cleanup efforts are still on the go throughout Waterloo Region, after toppled trees and downed power lines created issues for residents, pushing into Thursday.
In Wellesley Township, staff are urging residents to continue avoiding use of local trails and forested areas, out of safety concerns from damaged trees and hanging branches that could still fall without warning.
That’s along with road closures still in place on Hutchinson Road between Deborah Glaister and Streicher, as well as David Street between Queens Bush Road and Lawrence Street.
“Please avoid these areas and respect all barricades and road closure signs. They are in place to protect the public and allow crews to work safely,” said the Township of Wellesley.
“Thank you for your patience and cooperation as our community works together to recover safely.”
Efforts are still ongoing across the Tri-Cities as well, with the City of Kitchener saying that work is still ongoing in some areas.
“The City prioritized clearing roadways first, then driveways, followed by sidewalks. City crews will continue working across Kitchener to clear and clean up debris on public property,” the city stated.
“While the most urgent needs and issues have been addressed, we continue to remind members of the public to be aware of the damage that may remain in upright trees and are at risk of falling. Please do not climb downed trees or around upturned root balls, respect work areas around forestry crews and obey signs, barriers, and fences around areas that are closed.”
The city is also stating that, in the wake of the serious storm, residents are encouraged to stay informed and stay up-to-date on various local alerts through Alert Waterloo Region, the region’s local emergency notification service.
That can be done through the Alert Waterloo Region website.
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