Homes damaged, injuries reported as tornado-warned storms strike Ontario
Ontario's severe thunderstorm risk exploded into a spate of tornado warnings Thursday afternoon, beginning with warnings for the Barrie area.
One tornado-warned storm tore through part of Barrie, leaving around two dozens homes significantly damaged, and two or three completely destroyed, according to Barrie officials.
At least eight people were injured, four seriously. Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman said all were being treated in hospital, and there were no fatalities reported as yet.
"There is extensive damage to homes and property, and this is heartbreaking for all the residents," he said at a 7 p.m. press conference.
Lehman said crews were going door-to-door to check in on residents to see if anyone was trapped, and most power outages would likely be restored overnight.
"I know this is an incredibly difficult day, but giving our first responders time to do their search, making sure the homes and safe, the people are safe, is job number one," Lehman said.
Damage has also been reported in Kawartha Lakes and Innisfil.
Below is a selection of social media posts of the tornado-warned storms and their aftermath.
