No deaths have been reported following a tornado in Barrie and the Mayor says everyone is believed to be accounted for, but at least 8 people have suffered injuries; four of them serious.
Thousands of people were also without power on Thursday, after the storm moved through the city and Mayor Jeff Lehman said the sky looked familiar to anyone who remembers the tornado of 1985.
The city says at about 3 p.m. a tornado touched down in the south end and shortly after, the Emergency Control Group assembled to triage the situation. It says all emergency personnel are on site responding to the situation.
There has been extensive damage to many homes and property in the Mapleview and Prince William Way area. Anyone displaced by the storm are being supported through an evacuation centre.
There are still a number of power outages being reported. For more information, including the full list of streets affected, go to the Power Outage Map. You can also follow @alectranews on Twitter for updates during major power outages. To hear restoration details, call 1-833-ALECTRA (1-833-253-2872), press 1.
There have been reports of injuries but fortunately, at this point there have been no fatalities.
Trained emergency response crews are currently responding to the situation and are dealing with the priorities of the incident. An evaluation of the situation is underway. The City’s first concern is for public safety and the safety of our first emergency response personnel. We are working with other response agencies to manage the situation and minimize the impact it has on our community as a whole.
The City of Barrie will release new information as soon as it becomes available. Ongoing public information about the situation will be posted on our website at barrie.ca and our social media channels.
In the interest of public health and safety the following safety precautions are requested:
- Please stay clear of the Mapleview and Prince William Way area so that all emergency teams are able to do their job
- Stay tuned to the media for further updates
- Do NOT call 911 unless it is a life threatening situation
We have been truly fortunate today in Barrie that no one has been killed. Incredible work by first responders continuing door to door searches and assisting residents of heavily damaged homes. Thank you everyone from across Ontario for your thoughts and concern. https://t.co/UXmntBn6po
— Jeff Lehman (@Mayor_Jeff) July 16, 2021
Some areas that were damaged by the #BarrieTornado may have water turned off in their homes. If people are returning home & need their water turned back on or have questions about water service, please call 705-726-4242 and press 0. #Barrie
— The City of Barrie (@cityofbarrie) July 16, 2021
The Barrie Police Service has set up a central phone line for anyone who needs assistance related to the tornado in Barrie. Please call 705-728-8442 – call takers will take callers’ information to ensure a follow-up from the proper organization. pic.twitter.com/EKYWGQbtSv
— Barrie Police (@BarriePolice) July 16, 2021
