Two tornadoes landed in London during last Saturday’s intense weather storm, a Western University group studying tornadoes confirmed on Friday.
The Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) found that two EF1 tornadoes took place shortly after 11:30 a.m. and occurred three minutes apart.
The group thoroughly investigated two of the city’s most affected neighborhoods, Huron Heights and Wilton Grove, said David Sills, the project’s executive director.
“This was a very fast storm, so tornadoes would have been moving fast too. I’m not sure if they would have occurred at the same time, but fairly close, with a few minutes difference,” he said.
Damage to Huron Heights included the loss of the roof of an apartment and the doors of the airport hangers, and a capsized plane, along with healthy trees that broke.
The worst damage to Wilton Grove occurred in a warehouse, the roof of which was removed and partially collapsed, along with a large sloping electricity pole, Sills added.
A warehouse in the Wilton Grove area was severely damaged after Saturday’s tornadoes. (UWO-NTP block)
Communities in southern Ontario and Quebec struggled with what was initially thought to be a severe storm that caused widespread wind damage and at least 10 deaths.
Although there were no injuries in the London area, strong winds knocked down several trees and caused damage to cars and houses, blocked streets and blackouts that lasted up to 30 hours in some areas.
City equipment is flooded with tree damage
Teams from the City of London continue to address service requests related to tree damage and post-storm clean-up efforts.
“It was a storm system that lasted almost 12 hours and caused damage all along. We’re starting to delve into where the major damage was caused and what caused it,” Sills said.
In a public service announcement, the city said that although the storm affected all of London, some neighborhoods suffered more intense tree damage and loss.
Crews have received about 450 calls for tree damage, but the city estimates that the total number of trees damaged as a result of the storm is much higher.
“City teams continue to assess and address trees on the roads and have been responding to urgent issues as a matter of priority,” a statement said.
Initial priorities included roads and trees blocked to houses, structures or vehicles, and the city said all available resources have been devoted to these priorities. It is unclear when the cleaning efforts will be completed.
“Deadlines are still difficult to determine with significant work in progress and have yet to be assessed in parks and natural areas where tree damage is also substantial. All storm-related clean-up, including restoration, is expected. of areas, the removal of strains, etc., will take many weeks to complete, “the statement said.
Tree damage is shown in Huron Heights. (UWO-NTP block)
Reminders to the public
- Problems with publicly owned trees (storm or wind damage, tree felling or inspection requests, etc.) can be sent to service.london.ca.
- Branches of damaged or fallen trees on private property are the responsibility of the owner.
- Garden debris, brushes, and tree branches placed for Green Week collection (on the sidewalk) must follow the criteria for collection on existing sidewalks, such as tree branches. they must be 10 cm or less and one meter long. The brush should be tied in bundles. Check your pickup schedule for Green Week dates.
- Please do not block the sidewalk or driveway with garden debris.
- Larger garden debris, brushes, and tree branches can be taken to a local EnviroDepot during business hours.