Researchers confirm weak tornado hit Fergus Sunday night

What happened?

According to Environment Canada, a weak tornado touched down in Fergus, Ontario, on Sunday night, July 3, 2023, at approximately 8:30 p.m. The tornado was rated EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with wind speeds of up to 135 km/h. The tornado's path was approximately 500 metres long and 100 metres wide, and it caused damage to trees, power lines, and a few homes in the area.

What are the details?

The tornado touched down in a rural area just east of Fergus, and it travelled northeast across a field before dissipating near the intersection of Wellington Road 8 and Towerline Road.

The tornado caused damage to several trees, and it also knocked down power lines, leaving some residents without power for several hours. A few homes in the area also sustained minor damage, including broken windows and siding.

There were no reports of any injuries or fatalities as a result of the tornado.

What are they saying?

"It was a pretty scary experience," said one resident who witnessed the tornado. "I was sitting in my living room when I heard a loud roar, and then I saw the tornado coming towards me. I ran to the basement and hid until it passed."

"I'm just glad that no one was hurt," said another resident. "It could have been a lot worse."

What's next?

Environment Canada is continuing to investigate the tornado, and they are expected to release a full report in the coming days.

In the meantime, residents in the affected area are being urged to check their homes for damage and to report any damage to their insurance companies.