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Storms hit southern Ontario, tornado possible

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SARNIA, Ont. -- Environment Canada meteorologists are heading to the shores of Lake Huron on Monday to investigate storm damage and the possibility of a tornado in the area.

Environment Canada had issued watches and warnings about severe storms Sunday, and upgraded those at one point to tornado warning for eastern Lambton County.

"They were seeing signs of rotation within the storm cell as it came on shore from Lake Huron," warning preparedness meteorologist Geoff Coulson said.

"From the initial eye-witness reports we're been hearing, the worst of the wind seem to happen with the rain itself, so that could mean a down burst event."

That involves a damaging burst of winds, along with rain, he said.

"Or, it could in fact, still indicate a tornado, but it was literally wrapped in rain, so it was difficult for any of the eye witnesses to see it," Coulson said.

"That's why the meteorologists want to go and take a look."

Long and narrow damage paths can indicate it was caused by a tornado, Coulson said.

"If the damage is more broad, and laid out in one direction, that tends to point more to a burst of damaging winds."

Coulson said there were reports of funnel clouds in the Millbank area, west of St. Jacobs, and heavy rainfall in the Toronto area as the storms moved through Ontario.

Hydro One reported Monday morning that 4,088 of its customers in the Grand Bend area were without power following a severe storm Sunday evening that blew down trees and power lines in Lambton Shores.

Some customers were expected to have power again at noon, while others weren't expected to be able to turn the lights back on until 6 p.m., the utility reported.

paul.morden@sunmedia.ca

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