In the National Capital Region, “we actually had the formation of a tornado,” confirmed meteorologist Simon Legault on ICI RDI, who said the event occurred around 1 p.m. Thursday.
Ottawa Police previously said on their Twitter feed that they were “aware of the presence of a tornado in and around Barrhaven.” Barrhaven is 20 km southwest of downtown Ottawa.
It is now confirmed, SIMon Legault said, that there is very clear rotational motion and it can be confirmed that a tornado made landfall south of Ottawa.
A tornado warning is also in place in Montreal, Montérégie, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie and Vallée-du-Richelieu.
We warn that the weather conditions favor the development of violent thunderstorms.
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 shelter, 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, we can read on Environment Canada’s website.
Hydro-Québec is ready to intervene
“It’s a system that’s still in circulation and unpredictable,” says Caroline Des Rosiers, spokeswoman for Hydro-Quebec, saying crews are mobilized and ready to go, depending on what happens.
Hydro-Québec warns that wind or vegetation falling on its facilities could cause power outages. In such a case, the employees must first observe the damage and then intervene accordingly.
The population can prepare by charging electronic devices and unplugging those that use a lot of electricity to avoid surges. Another tip: Prepare meals and snacks that can be eaten cold and open the fridge and freezer as little as possible, recalls Ms. Des Rosiers.
In the event of a breakdown, citizens are asked to preventively contact the vulnerable people around them.
And to find out more about the situation in a specific region, Caroline Des Rosiers says it’s a good idea to consult the Hydro-Québec Info-pannes (New Window) website.
With information from CBC