Quebec was rocked by two tornado systems earlier this week – one of which was so severe it caused considerable damage in the area.
A thunderstorm was formed on Monday due to the passage of a front, combined with the province’s extreme heat and humidity, The Weather Network reported. This storm then led to the formation of two tornadoes; Environment Canada said that one of the tornadoes was believed to have developed around 3:30pm ET on July 27, 2020.
While the thunderstorm affected many areas in Quebec, two cities were hit the hardest by the resulting tornadoes.
The municipality of Saint-Mathias de Bonneterre was hit by the stronger tornado. The tornado was so powerful when it struck the city, that several large trees were uprooted, and a good number of houses were damaged, The Weather Network said. Even playgrounds and other recreational fields in Saint-Mathias de Bonneterre were not spared, as they were either partially or completely destroyed.
The other tornado hit the city of Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac. Although the tornado was violent, authorities reported that it did not cause as much significant damage; at worst, the storm event uprooted trees in the area.
Environment Canada is investigating to determine the exact intensity of the two tornadoes.
According to The Weather Network, six tornadoes have been confirmed in Quebec since the start of the active season, but an average summer season typically sees only five tornadoes.
