Amid a tornado warning for the area, a potential tornado touched down in Ayr, Ont., on Saturday morning, according to North Dumfries Township. The tornado was reported to have touched down near Greenfield and Northhumberland roads shortly before 10:50 a.m., following a tornado warning issued by Environment Canada at 10:42 a.m. The severe thunderstorm producing the tornado was located near Plattsville, moving northeast at 35 km per hour. The Northern Tornado Project and Environment Canada have been contacted to confirm the tornado touchdown.
The township reported extensive damage to Cowan Park, with properties on Greenfield Road West and along the Northumberland Street corridor also being damaged. Emergency crews were deployed to the impacted area immediately upon receiving reports of property damage. Resources from GrandBridge Energy have been deployed to assist, with CPKC checking on its rail cars in the area. Waterloo Regional Police received reports of a train derailment, with several rail cars flipped over. However, there were no reports of any hazardous materials involved, and emergency service assistance was not required.
Damage was also reported at a Home Hardware store where the roof was partially torn off. The business was evacuated, and everyone was able to exit safely. The North Dumfries fire department is conducting wellness checks in the area, with no injuries reported so far. Authorities are advising the public to avoid driving in the area due to traffic congestion, which is hindering emergency crews from completing their tasks.
Additionally, a request has been made for support from the community in the form of financial donations, physical donations or volunteers to assist with the cleanup effort following the tornado. Those interested in contributing to the relief efforts can contact the township directly or visit their website for more information on how to help. The local community is coming together to support those affected by the tornado, demonstrating a strong sense of solidarity and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
As the cleanup and recovery process continues, residents are encouraged to stay informed about updates and follow the guidance of local authorities. Tornado warnings and severe weather alerts should be taken seriously, and individuals should have a plan in place for how to respond in the event of dangerous weather conditions. By working together and staying prepared, communities can better withstand the impact of tornadoes and other natural disasters, demonstrating their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
