A tornado touched down in Ayr, Ont., Saturday morning, the local fire chief says, following an emergency tornado warning issued by Environment Canada.
The weather agency’s meteorologists say they were tracking a severe thunderstorm near Plattsville that could produce a tornado, prompting them to issue the official tornado warning for parts of Waterloo region and surrounding areas.
North Dumfries Fire Chief Robert Shantz confirmed to CBC News a tornado did touch down around 11 a.m.
Environment Canada has not yet confirmed the weather system touched down, but told CBC News they did see indications of debris in Ayr on the radar.
A video taken by Keith Gormans shows damage to a feed mill lot from a tornado that touched down in Ayr, Ont., Saturday morning. Roof shingles, pieces of wood and other debris can be seen strewn about on the ground of FS Partners. The local fire chief confirmed the tornado touched down around 11 a.m. and caused heavy damage to a Home Hardware across the street.
Trudy Kidd, a meteorologist with Environment Canada said if there is no indication of touch down it would be considered a funnel cloud. They are still investigating.
Shantz adds the local Home Hardware store sustained heavy damage.
The Home Hardware and surrounding businesses were evacuated and no injuries were reported.
North Dumfries fire crews remain on the scene due to the smell of natural gas.
Meanwhile, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) say Greenfield Drive between Trussler and Northumberland is closed due to downed trees and hydro poles.
“Do not approach or drive over a downed power line and do not touch anything it may be in contact with,” a post by WRPS on social media said.
“Downed wires should always be considered energized or “live,” and extremely dangerous.”
STORM UPDATE:<br><br>- There are reports of a tornado touching down in Ayr.<br> <br>- Damages to the roof of the Home Hardware. The business has been evacuated, and no physical injuries were reported. North Dumfries Fire is attending due to smell of natural gas at this location.<br><br>- ROAD… <a href=”https://t.co/qQlDsMAYaq”>pic.twitter.com/qQlDsMAYaq</a>
—@WRPSToday
Many residents received notifications on their phone Saturday morning around 10:43 a.m., warning them of the potentially hazardous weather.
Another alert was issued shortly after at 11:03 a.m.
The weather agency was advising residents to take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches and notes this is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.
Environment Canada says tornado warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing tornadoes.
Tornado watch remains
Shortly after the initial tornado warning went out, Environment Canada also issued a severe thunderstorm watch.
The watch says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.
Wind gusts could reach up to 90km/hr with toonie-sized hail and heavy downpours. There is also still a risk of tornadoes.
The region also continues to remain under a special weather statement as significant rainfall is expected for this weekend.
Between 40 to 80 millimetres of rain is expected to fall over Saturday and Sunday.