BREAKING: Friday’s Storm Produced at Least One Confirmed EF0 Tornado With 130km/h Estimated Wind Gusts
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The Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) and Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) have confirmed an EF0 Tornado from Friday's storm in Thornbury, Ontario with estimated wind speeds of 130km/h.
Our thoughts remain with those affected by Friday's storms and thankfully we haven't heard of any injuries, especially considering this incredible story from Mike Holder on Facebook (click the link to learn more):
Significant damage and incredible story from the Thornbury Harbour during Friday’s likely tornado (still under investigation). So glad you stayed safe, Mike! 😬 - Adam
Posted by Instant Weather Ontario on Sunday, October 25, 2020
Here's what Environment Canada wrote:
"Weather summary for Ontario and the National Capital Region issued by Environment Canada at 10:10 a.m. EDT Monday 26 October 2020.
Discussion.
A tornado has been confirmed by the Northern Tornadoes Project in Thornbury on October 23rd. The following is a summary of weather event information received by Environment Canada as of 9:00 A.M. EDT on Monday, October 26th, 2020.
Event Location:
Thornbury.
Event Description:
A tornado struck the area on the afternoon of Friday, October 23rd, 2020. The tornado followed a path through the town before entering Georgian Bay. The tornado has been given a preliminary rating of EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale with estimated maximum wind speeds up to 130 km/h and a path length of 3 kilometers. The tornado produced tree damage and damage to a power pole and street lamp.
This tornado accompanied several severe thunderstorms which affected areas near and east Georgian Bay on Friday afternoon with numerous reports of large hail up to the size of golf balls and strong winds. Meteorologists at the Ontario Storm Prediction Centre would like to thank the Northern Tornadoes Project for their continued work on analyzing and documenting tornadoes.
Please note that this summary may contain preliminary or unofficial
information and does not constitute a complete or final report.
End/OSPC"
We certainly agree with ECCC regarding the great work the NTP is doing and a huge shoutout to Dr. Sills, Dr. Kopp, and all those involved with the project!
Also, a huge thank you to Kim H.G. for the incredible video that clearly demonstrates the rotating wall cloud above the spray ring and the trailing rear-inflow jet or “ghost train”. Not to mention the howl in the video is very creepy and that classic "train in the distance" tornado sound that so many report.
Here's what the NTP tweeted:
After an investigation by @westernuNTP, tornado damage has been confirmed in Thornbury, ON following the storms of Oct 23rd. A preliminary rating of EF0 & max wind speed of 130 km/h assigned. Narrow track of damage through town, video of the tornado over Georgian Bay. #onstorm pic.twitter.com/w7NYPrZncq
— Northern Tornadoes Project (@westernuNTP) October 26, 2020
And last but not least, here is the forecast map and forecast for Friday that was issued roughly twenty-four hours before the tornado touched down.
Thank you to all those who have reported what they experienced during these storms as your reports make all the difference when it comes to confirming tornadoes, downbursts, and any severe weather in our region.
