Ontario Princial Police say a tornado has hit the town of Goderich, and are asking everyone to stay away while rescue efforts are underway.
London OPP Sgt. Dave Rektor said the damage is widespread.
“We have extensive damage to the downtown core and we have a report of injuries,” Rektor said. “I don’t have the conditions of anybody who’s injured at this point.”
Radio station CKNX reported that downtown businesses, century old buildings and several churches lost their roofs and upper floors.
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Andrea Ross, who works at the Cedar Lodge Motel in Goderich, says the storm was the most violent she has ever experienced, as the skies became very dark with huge clouds.
“I’ve heard a lot of the buildings are half gone or fully gone,” Ross said. “It’s a pretty big mess downtown.
“A lot of buildings are missing and down and a lot of tress are down. I’ve heard there are gas leaks (downtown) as well as the street behind us, so it’s pretty bad.”
Police have blocked traffic from entering the downtown core.
“We’re going to be going through the buildings and looking for people and check just to make sure everybody’s accounted for,” Rektor said.
Goderich is located on the shores of Lake Huron.
The last time Goderich had a tornado that caused damage was in July, 2006.
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