A tornado made landfall in Ottawa and Environment Canada has issued tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings for several areas in southern Quebec.
The City of Ottawa Fire Department reported that a tornado “landed in the Umbra Place area of Barrhaven,” adding that “firefighters and our collapse teams were dispatched to the scene.”
Minutes earlier, the Ottawa Police Service posted this message on social media: “We are aware of a tornado in and around Barrhaven. Officers respond as needed. If you are driving, stop safely when emergency vehicles drive by. Residents: Please seek shelter.”
A tornado warning is in effect for the “Gatineau, City of Ottawa North – Kanata – Orléans, Prescott and Russell, City of Ottawa South – Richmond – Metcalfe” areas.
Across the border, a tornado made landfall near O’Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois on Wednesday night.
Vigils in southern Quebec
Tornado warnings were issued Thursday morning for areas in Montreal, the island’s south coast, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie, Bois-Francs, Outaouais, Greater Quebec, Beauce, Saguenay, the Richelieu Valley and Vaudreuil. Soulanges.
The weather conditions favor the formation of severe thunderstorms that can lead to tornadoes.
Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued in several regions in southern and central Quebec.
Difference between clocks and alarm
A tornado “watch” is issued to advise citizens to prepare, and when a “warning” is sent, “it’s time to take action and seek sanctuary,” explained Simon Legault, meteorologist at Environment Canada. .
“The warning is: it’s menacing, it’s getting close to you, and it’s often ringing on people’s phones,” the meteorologist added.
If a tornado is approaching your area, Environment Canada recommends moving to the room on the lowest level, away from windows and exterior walls.
If you are “in a vehicle, RV, tent, trailer, or other temporary accommodation,” it is recommended that you take shelter in a sturdy building.
“As a last resort, lie on the ground in a low spot and protect your head from thrown objects,” says Environment Canada’s website.
hail and rain
Southern areas of the province could also get big hail.
“We are talking about hailstones two to three centimeters in size. Then there can also be strong gusts of wind, from 70 to 80 km/h, and there can also be a lot of rain, which can overload municipal sewers,” explained Simon Legault, adding: “We also have to assume that the Soil is saturated.” with water, so there may be small land movements.”
air quality
In addition to tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings, Environment Canada has issued special air quality bulletins for several regions in the province.
High concentrations of fine particles from wildfires are causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in the regions of Quebec, Saguenay, Lac-Saint-Jean, Beauce and certain locations in Mauricie.