The Ontario Weather Page - Past Weather News

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July 16: Strong to severe thunderstorms fired up in Southern Ontario with a cold front moving through the region yesterday. Reading some of the reports issued from E.C., there was possibly 1 tornadoes that touched down near Pickering and 1 microburst that was initial reported to be a tornado near Richmond about 1 hour SW of Ottawa. The tornado is unconfirmed at the present time. Radar indicated wind gusts to 114km/h in some areas as well. Will update as information is posted.

June 10: The last round of severe storms and reports and listed here. I have also added information and damage photos of both the Norwich tornado and the unconfirmed Fergus tornado to the newly designed Photos Page.

OUTLOOK FOR THE 1998 HURRICANE SEASON: Dr. William Gray has
issued an updated outlook for the approaching hurricane season. The veteran forecaster foresees 10 named storms, of which 6 will be hurricanes with 2 becoming major. These numbers are close to the long-term averages of 9 storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 majors. Last year saw 7 storms, 3 of which were hurricanes

April 16: After all the watches & warnings in Ontario last night, I had time to get some updated info on the storm system that moved through S. Ontario last night. People have been reporting of a possible funnel cloud near Fergus but after reviewing postings, this has not been confirmed by anyone at E.C. or Ontario's Canwarn Spotters. I chased this storm (as I live in Fergus) and saw no funnel but vivid lightening, some thunder and moderate rain. The dynamics of this severe cell were weak after crossing Lake Huron and by-the-time it hit Fergus, it was dying out. This was confirmed at 8:45pm by E.C. Arthur had a wind gust to 90km/h and Grand Bend had 24 mil hail reported but nothing else as-of-yet. Chase log is here. Most of the severe weather occurred in Tennessee. Did you check out the footage from Nashville? If not, watch the news, it is amazing. Hope all that hit the page yesterday checked the watches and warnings page because I took a 500 kms chase to track this system.

March 28-30: The first severe event of the season finally ended doing little damage. This is the Severe Weather Summary issued by E.C. Reports from other locations in Ontario experienced strong winds (+100km/h), light tree damage and intense rain. This setup is more like summer conditions than spring.

The severe weather reminds us it is important to know what to do in the event. Keep an eye to the sky and take cover if you see something. I also suggest that if you don't have the time to follow the weather, please purchase a weather alert radio (about $50.00). It monitors E.C's reports and emits a tone if severe weather applies to your area. I have one and it worked perfectly today. It's like a smoke detector, it does nothing until it needs too. To me it's a life insurance policy in a radio. Radio Shack offers them. Be sure that the frequencies covered in the radio are the frequencies used for your region. My 2 cents.

A new book by E.C.'s David Phillips is set to hit the market in the next few months (that's what they told me) and is featured in Canadian Geographic's Catalogue. It's call "Blame It On The Weather" and deals with thunderstorms, hail, sleet, snow, etc for Canada. The number is (800)-267-0824 and product number 20-205E. The cost is $19.25 members and $19.95 non-members. I will review it when I get it.

El Nino is being blamed for everything and caused the most destructive tornadoes outbreak in Florida State history. Get informed on how this will effect us: Canada's El Nino Bulletin Learn the causes & effects by taking this online Meteorological Guide to El Nino