Storm clouds move across the sky as Environment Canada issued tornado warnings Thursday, July 13, 2023 in Montreal. Researchers at Western University say two tornados struck southern Quebec during a major thunderstorm last week.
Storm clouds move across the sky as Environment Canada issued tornado warnings Thursday, July 13, 2023 in Montreal. Researchers at Western University say two tornados struck southern Quebec during a major thunderstorm last week.
MONTREAL - Researchers at Western University say two tornadoes struck southern Quebec during a major thunderstorm last week.
The Northern Tornadoes Project says it found evidence of a weak tornado near St-Thomas, Que., northeast of Montreal, including a telltale track through crops.
In a blog post, the researchers say the July 13 tornado, which was given the lowest tornado intensity rating, caused damage to trees and two barns, as well as minor damage to a home.
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They say that another tornado, which was reported by a meteorological observer at Mirabel Airport, northwest of Montreal, caused no damage.
Environment Canada warning preparedness meteorologist Peter Kimbell says the federal weather agency will not issue a force evaluation for the tornado in Mirabel, nor can it confirm the second tornado in St-Thomas, but it does not dispute the Northern Tornadoes Project’s findings.
Northern Tornadoes Project says several downbursts during the storm — a phenomenon where sinking air causes intense winds when it hits the surface — knocked down trees, damaged barns and caused other damage.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2023.
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