Two tornadoes touched down in Windsor: researchers

Windsor had two weak tornadoes touch down earlier this week, according to tornado researchers.

Northern Tornadoes Project investigations have led to the confirmation of two EF0 tornadoes in South Cameron and Forest Glade on Sunday, June 25.

"Any tornado needs to be taken seriously even if it's on the weak side," Dr. David Sills executive director of the Northern Tornado Project. 

An EF0 microburst was also confirmed from the same day in Essex.

The storm caused several downed trees and wind damage throughouth the region.

An NTP survey team visited the region on Monday and was able to find a narrow path of damage for each of the tornadoes.

The research team issued the following in their report:

West Windsor (South Cameron)

Witness captured video of a rotating dust cloud and lofted debris in western Windsor as a storm approached around 6:45 p.m., with tree damage later reported in the immediate vicinity of the visible vortex. No injuries were reported. An NTP ground and drone survey was completed on June 26, 2023 documenting a narrow path of weak tree damage. Damage assessed as EF0 tornado, with an estimated max. wind speed of 90 km/h, track length of 2.02 km and max. path width of 180 m. Tornado motion was from the SW (approx. 230 degrees).

"In west Windsor about a 2 km track that went just south of Tecumseh Road West and crossed around Campbell Avenue. The worst damage seemed to be near Bruce Avenue," Sills said. 

The damage was light according to Sills, another tornado dropped soon afterwards and created a 5km track from Forest Glade to the St. Clair Beach area. 

Forest Glade

Tree and structural damage was reported in Forest Glade neighbourhood of Windsor and further east into Tecumseh after a storm passed through the area around 7 p.m. No injuries were reported. An NTP ground and drone survey was completed on June 26, 2023 documenting minor roof damage to several properties and tree damage along a long, narrow path. Damage assessed as EF0 tornado, with an estimated max. wind speed of 125 km/h, track length of 4.69 km and max. path width of 120 m. Tornado motion was from the W (approx. 260 degrees).

"A bit longer and a bit more intense so again, trees down but also a couple of houses with some roof damage," Sills said.  

According to the City of Windsor, there was no damage done to city infrastructure and tree clean-up from the tornadoes is almost done. 

Storm damage at Beach Grove Golf Course in Tecumseh, Ont., on Monday, June 26, 2023. (Rich Garton/CTV News Windsor)

Essex

In Essex, there was also a microburst which is a localized column of sinking air or downdraft. 

Tree and minor roof damage was reported in Essex after a storm passed through the area around 7 p.m. No injuries were reported. An NTP ground and drone survey was completed on June 26, 2023, documenting damage in a limited area of southwestern Essex. Damage assessed as EF0 microburst, with an estimated max. wind speed of 125 km/h.

"The recent ice storm, we had a lot of damage out here from that. Maybe that's one of the reasons why we had some less damage for our trees this time because we cleaned up a lot of that stuff from the winter storm," said Essex director of community services Jake Morassut. 

Sills says there have been five tornadoes in Ontario so far this season including the two from last weekend.

"It's 23 in across Canada so far. We're just getting into the thick of the season," he said. "July is the peak month for tornado occurance in Canada."

All the more reason to use the recent storm as a reminder.

"There wasn't a tornado watch. There wasn't a tornado warning so be aware of that," Emily Bertram, planning officer with Windsor Fire and Rescue, said. "When there's a severe thunderstorm warning know that other weather worse than a thunderstorm can come."

If that happens, Windsor Fire Emergency Planning Officer Emily Bertram says be sure to have a radio, tv or phone handy to keep up to date.

She also encourages residents to pick up an Emergency Preparedness Guide.

"Get that kit together. Get this plan," Bertram said. "Go over it with your family and you'll be more prepared for when emergencies come your way."

-- With files from CTV News Windsor's Bob Bellacicco