Tornado researchers at Western University are confirming a tornado touched down yesterday during a severe storm in the community of Ayr southwest of Cambridge.
The Northern Tornadoes Project says an investigation, including a ground / drone survey, has determined that a tornado hit the Ayr area during the late morning of Aug. 17.
"The tornado caused structural, vehicle and tree damage - with a preliminary rating of EF1 - along a narrow path over 5 km in length," the NTP said in a statement.
"Empty rail cars and a tractor-trailer were overturned, and two trailers were tossed. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported."
See VIDEO: Possible tornado touches down just outside of Cambridge in Ayr
More details are available in the event summary below, along with maps and photos from the survey. The tornado can be plotted on a map via the NTP Dashboard here.
Event Name: Wolverton - Ayr, ON
Date: August 17, 2024
Start Time: 10:40 AM EDT (1440 UTC)
Final Classification: Tornado (Over Land)
Preliminary EF-Scale Rating: EF1
EF-Scale Damage Indicator / Degree of Damage: WHB/DOD-4
Start of damage track: 43.2815N, 80.5125W
End of damage track: 43.3043N, 80.4577W
Location of worst damage: 43.3014N, 80.4687W
Description: Witnesses captured video and photos of a tornado that developed near Wolverton and tracked eastward to Ayr. No injuries were reported. Structural and tree damage was reported in the area, including damage to a warehouse building and structures at an agricultural services facility, as well as damage to vehicles. An NTP ground and drone survey was completed on August 17, 2024 documenting the reported damage and additional damage to homes and trees. Damage assessed as preliminary EF1 tornado, with an estimated max. wind speed of 165 km/h, track length of 5.23 km and max. path width of 230 m. Tornado motion was from the WSW (approx. 240 degrees). Start time based on radar and witness reports. Further investigation includes additional drone and satellite imagery review.
