Barrhaven Tornado Aftermath

Post-tornado cleanup efforts are in full swing in Barrhaven. Investigators are currently analyzing the impact and intensity of the tornado that touched down during last Thursday's severe thunderstorm, causing substantial damage to about 125 homes.

Residents are coming to terms with the devastation as they clear the aftermath of the storm, including scattered debris, damaged roofs, broken windows, and fallen trees. City and Hydro Ottawa crews, alongside contractors, are hard at work restoring damaged infrastructure and clearing the affected areas.

Significant damage was mainly reported in three Barrhaven areas:

- 50 homes in the Umbra Place/Watercolours Way area

- 35 houses in the Perseus Way/Proxima Terrace area

- 30 to 40 houses in the Jockvale Road/Exeter Drive area

The damage caused by the tornado might require the occupants of the 125 affected homes to seek temporary accommodation. Aside from the primary damages, numerous houses also suffered minor superficial damage.

Residents also reported damage across various other locations in Barrhaven, although no harm to the city infrastructure was reported following the tornado. Public Works staff have prioritized debris removal related to public safety and are developing a comprehensive cleanup plan.

Environment Canada confirmed a tornado touchdown in Barrhaven that damaged homes and other structures. This incident is the first tornado in Ottawa since 2018. The Northern Tornadoes Project team from Western University is set to investigate the event, estimating the tornado intensity and path length using the assessment of structural engineers and social media posts.

The city of Ottawa has set up a community support centre at the Minto Recreation Complex, where various service departments are providing information and assistance to residents.