TORONTO — Residents in southern Ontario shared images of destruction Thursday afternoon after a monster weather system generated tornado warnings for several areas.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued tornado warnings for several communities around 2:30 p.m. EDT as a larger weather system moved into Simcoe County and Northern Dufferin County.
Warnings were issued for Barrie, Collingwood, Hillsdale, Orillia, Lagoon City, and Washago as the storm moved through the region.
Residents shared images of widespread damage after a tornado confirmed by Environment Canada touched down in the Barrie area.
Images show overturned vehicles, sections of roofing torn from the house, and the second floor of a home completely detached from the structure. Barrie police said officers responded to several calls of people injured as a result of the storm.
What you can do to help: Environment Canada has so far ruled it an EF2 tornado, but more investigation is being done on the damage in the Prince William Way/Mapleview Drive East area.
Donations of supplies are no longer needed at this time, said Barrie police on social media. Residents are thanked for their generosity in providing toiletries and basic necessities for the families impacted by the tornado.
Barrie Families Unite has created a specific email for financial donations. Money e-transfers for tornado relief can be sent to bfutornado@gmail.com.
And a public volunteering page has also been set up on Facebook for people who would like to volunteer to help out.
400 Chrysler in Innisfil and Barrie Chrysler will open up as a Convenient and safe, drop-off location for any and all donations. If you can’t make it in, you can message Jessica Puddifant directly at 705-984-5963 and she will make arrangements to get them picked up.
The Sun Emporium is donating all proceeds of single tans/services to the victims of this horrific disaster.
Both locations are also drop-offs for any supplies, clothing food, etc to assist.
Anyone wishing to donate a specific item can also call Service Barrie at 705-726-4242.
And financial donations can also be made to the Canadian Red Cross.
