NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE
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Emergency services provided support across Waterloo Region after a tornado warning and reports of a tornado touching down in North Dumfries Township.
Just before 10:45 a.m., Environment Canada issued a tornado warning for several areas of Ontario, including Waterloo Region.
At approximately 11 a.m., police responded to reports of a tornado touching down in the area of Greenfield Road between Northumberland Street and Trussler Road in Ayr.
Multiple homes and businesses in the area sustained property damage, and several trees and power lines were downed.
The roof of Home Hardware, located at the corner of Greenfield Drive and Northumberland Street, was partially torn off. The business was evacuated, and all employees and customers were able to exit safely. The North Dumfries Volunteer Fire Department responded due to the smell of natural gas at the location, and the hydro and gas were shut off.
Power to approximately 3,000 customers in Ayr remains out due to the storm.
WRPS also received reports of a train derailment in the area, with several rail cars flipped over. There are no reports of any hazardous materials. The incident was managed by railway employees, and emergency service assistance was not required.
Greenfield Drive in North Dumfries Township remains closed between Northumberland Street and Trussler Road for clean-up and power line repairs. Motorists and members of the public are asked to avoid the area so that this work can be completed in a timely manner.
Outside of North Dumfries Township, police responded to a dangerous condition at Ainslie Street North and Parkhill Road East in Cambridge after heavy rain resulted in damage to a drain cover. Water covering the road impacted traffic in the area, and officers assisted until City of Cambridge staff could respond.
No physical injuries were reported in North Dumfries Township or throughout Waterloo Region due to the tornado and severe weather.
No significant dangerous conditions that pose an immediate risk to public safety have been identified at this time.
Waterloo Regional Police would like to thank our emergency service and municipal and regional partners, as well as members of the public, for their assistance in responding to and managing this severe weather incident.
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