AYR – Researchers from Western University’s Northern Tornadoes Project have confirmed that a tornado touched down Saturday morning during a severe storm in Ayr, a community southwest of Cambridge.
The NTP says the tornado started at around 10:40 am and caused structural, vehicle and tree damage along a narrow path over 5 km in length. Empty rail cars and a tractor-trailer were also overturned, and two trailers were tossed.
According to a statement, witnesses captured video and photos of a tornado that developed near Wolverton and tracked eastward to Ayr.
Damage assessed as a preliminary EF1 tornado, with an estimated max. wind speed of 165 km/h.
No injuries were reported.
Event Name: Wolverton – Ayr, ON
Date: August 17, 2024
Start Time: 10:40 AM EDT (1440 UTC)
Final Classification: Tornado (Over Land)
Preliminary EF-Scale Rating: EF1
EF-Scale Damage Indicator / Degree of Damage: WHB/DOD-4
Start of damage track: 43.2815N, 80.5125W
End of damage track: 43.3043N, 80.4577W
Location of worst damage: 43.3014N, 80.4687W
Description: Witnesses captured video and photos of a tornado that developed near Wolverton and tracked eastward to Ayr. No injuries were reported. Structural and tree damage was reported in the area, including damage to a warehouse building and structures at an agricultural services facility, as well as damage to vehicles. An NTP ground and drone survey was completed on August 17, 2024 documenting the reported damage and additional damage to homes and trees. Damage assessed as preliminary EF1 tornado, with an estimated max. wind speed of 165 km/h, track length of 5.23 km and max. path width of 230 m. Tornado motion was from the WSW (approx. 240 degrees). Start time based on radar and witness reports. Further investigation includes additional drone and satellite imagery review.
You can find photos and more information here.
