Environment Canada has confirmed a tornado touched down in Stayner on Monday afternoon.
Investigators with the national weather service say a tornado ranging in strength between EF-0 and EF-1 touched down in the Simcoe County community.
“Points to winds 100 to 120 km/h range,” says Mitch Meredith, Environment Canada Meteorologist.
Investigators are still tallying the data and are still trying to narrow down on the exact strength of the tornado.
A number of trees were uprooted and a trailer was even flipped over due to strong winds.
“I heard a howling whistling wind, it was whistling through my windows, I just yelled at my roommate, get in the basement, get in the basement,” says Chris Waldie, a Stayner resident. “I could hear crashing and loud noises outside.”
Officials are unsure if a downburst or a tornado is responsible for the damage in Collingwood. The roof of Mr. Transmission was torn off and landed on several parked vehicles. No injuries are reported.
A number of other buildings, trees and power lines were also damaged.
A line of thunderstorms pushed across Simcoe County at around 4 p.m. on Monday. Environment Canada says winds peaked at 115 km/h at the Lake Simcoe Airport.
Collus PowerStream and Hydro One are still reporting power outages for hundreds of customers.
Hydro One customers can get an update on restoration here.
