Severe weather tears across Southern Ontario

Severe thunderstorms swept across parts of southern Ontario on Wednesday, bringing large hail, damaging winds, heavy rainfall and a confirmed tornado, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The storms were most intense across the Greater Golden Horseshoe and southwestern Ontario, with multiple severe weather alerts issued during the afternoon and evening.

Environment Canada said one of the strongest storms moved southeastward from Lake Huron through the Kitchener-Waterloo area, while another tracked directly through the Greater Toronto Area.

The storms caused widespread damage, including downed trees and power lines.

A barn was destroyed in Brucefield, the roof of the Woodbridge Soccer Centre was partially removed, and significant damage was reported at Rogers Stadium in Toronto.

Very large hail in North York shattered vehicle windshields and apartment windows.

More than 150,000 customers across Ontario lost power during the storms, including more than 50,000 Hydro One customers and 65,000 Toronto Hydro customers.

Flooding was also reported across parts of Toronto and Vaughan.

Environment Canada recorded wind gusts of 91 km/h at Brantford Airport, 83 km/h at Toronto Pearson International Airport and 76 km/h at both Toronto Island Airport and Welland-Pelham.

Radar estimated winds of more than 130 km/h in some areas. Environment Canada said the radar estimates, combined with structural damage reported in the affected areas, may mean some of the available wind reports are not representative of the strongest winds.

Hail ranging from 2.5 to 6.5 centimetres was reported in North York, while London reported hail between three and five centimetres. Hail measuring 4.5 centimetres was reported in Shelburne and four-centimetre hail was reported in both Orangeville and St. Thomas.

Heavy rainfall was also recorded across southern Ontario.

Volunteer observations reported 138.9 millimetres of rain in Caledon and 133 millimetres in Vaughan. North York received 118.1 millimetres, while Mitchell recorded 107.4 millimetres and Scarborough received 105.9 millimetres.

Other significant rainfall totals included 93.2 millimetres in Thornhill, 92.5 millimetres in Bolton, 83.6 millimetres in Wellesley, 82.9 millimetres in Newmarket and 73.2 millimetres in Stouffville.

St. Thomas recorded 72.9 millimetres, while Courtice received 72.1 millimetres. Markham, Richmond Hill and Ottawa recorded 69.9, 69.4 and 67.3 millimetres, respectively.

Environment Canada said a tornado was confirmed by radar northwest of Kitchener near the Bamberg area at approximately 5:30 p.m. EDT Wednesday.

The Northern Tornadoes Project will survey the damage in the area to gather additional information and determine the tornado's rating.