Winds take down homes in Ontario, storm threat continues

Thursday, March 17, 2016, 10:33 AM - "Grey and gusty - downpours and hail - breaks of sunshine - repeat!," The Weather Network's Suzanne Leonard's perfect description of the kind of day it was across southern Ontario Wednesday. In northwestern Ontario on the other hand, upwards of 20 cm of snow has resulted in dangerous travel conditions.

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"I work midnights, went to bed with grass, woke up to over a foot of snow," said Weather Network viewer Martin Williams in Thunder Bay.

Light snow flurries will gradually taper through the day, but the threat for more thunderstorms continues on Thursday. The risk has shifted to extreme eastern Ontario and southern Quebec.

"As with the storms yesterday, wind gusts will be the greatest risk today in eastern Ontario and Quebec and we will have to keep an eye on the storms in the Eastern Townships," says Weather Network meteorologist Matt Grinter.

The thunderstorm threat has passed for southern Ontario, but rain showers will continue through the afternoon hours.

"As a cold front passes the region Thursday night, much cooler temperatures are set for Friday and most of next week," Grinter says. "There is the risk of some mixing and snow through southern Ontario and Quebec Friday morning."

According to Grinter, there's also the potential for lake effect snow in southern Ontario next week as a powerful Nor'easter set to hit the east coast draw colder air in to Ontario.

WEDNESDAY'S DAMAGING STORM

Damaging winds with gusts upwards of 80 km/h swept through southern Ontario Wednesday. The storm took a toll on several homes under construction in Brampton through the evening hours.

At least two buildings partially collapsed and parts of drywall and shingles ended up on the westbound Highway 401. One witness nearby described the scene as "terrifying" as pieces of drywall were seen blowing through the neighbourhood.

According to police, there were no reports of any injuries.

High winds also took down large trees in the Peel region, forcing road closures as the storm swept through. A dramatic change from sunny skies to powerful winds and heavy downpours proved to be a challenge for drivers during the afternoon and evening commute.