Web posted on August 20, 2005
|
Three teams of Environment Canada meteorologists spent time in the Elora-Fergus area on Saturday in the aftermath of the tornado that went through the district Friday afternoon. Meteorologist Geoff Coulson, at right, said they expect to issue a final report by the end of the day Saturday about the extent of the storm which wreaked havoc over a considerable area of Centre Wellington. "Tornados are chaotic and sporadic by nature, and our part is to get a full assessment of the extent of the storm and to learn for future occurrences," said Coulson. |
|
|
Centre Wellington mayor Russ Spicer said the municipality declared a emergency at about 4 p.m. Friday when it became apparent that the storm had dealt more than a glancing blow to his community. Declaring an emergency meant that provincial emergency services could be called on and that decisions could be made by the local emergency committee in a timely manner. It's too early to determine, he said, whether compensation will be sought from senior levels of government, though the extent of the damage makes that likely. |
Spicer said nine homes had suffered extensive damage with three essentially demolished by the tornado. By Saturday morning, 4400 homes were still without electricity. Barns were also damaged, but Spicer said he had not yet had a chance to find out the extent and how many animals may have suffered as a result.
Driving through the countryside was a surreal experience, as trees were uprooted throughout the area and crops in the fields were flattened. Staff Sargeant Paul Bedard of the OPP said he had not seen such devastation in his years on the force.
"People are devastated," he said. "But the help being offered is amazing," he added. And this was true on an otherwise reasonably peaceful Saturday morning. As one drove through country roads littered with tree branches, the most common sound was that of a chain saw ripping through wood to clear driveways and front lawns of the debris left in the wake of the storm.
The Township of Nichol building, seen above, on County Road 7, received extensive damage. Extra OPP were called out Friday including administration and traffic units, said Bedard. He also called Perth County OPP to alert them to the need for possible assistance. However, help was not needed and the force has returned to its usual complement of officers today.
Related Stories
- Warning to Centre Wellington residents - (August 19, 2005 )
- Severe storm results in State of Emergency - (August 19, 2005 )
Back