Photos: Double Tornado Wreaks Havoc in Ottawa-Gatineau

For those unaffected, it’s hard to imagine the devastation two tornados brought upon the Ottawa-Gatineau region on Friday.

The first twister, an EF-3 with wind speeds between 136 and 165 mph, struck the town of Dunrobin, Ont., just outside of Ottawa. After destroying 60 buildings, it then moved towards Gatineau., where another 215 buildings were damged or destroyed. A second tornado, meanwhile, terrorized the Arlington Woods neighbourhood in South Ottawa.

Even today, three days after the storm, residents are urged to stay home at the city rushes to clean up the aftermath. With some parts of the region still without power, residents are asked to lighten their burden on the electrical grid. Schools remain closed, while federal employees have been given the day off. Miraculously, no one died during the angry weather.

A video taken shortly after the storm in Gatineau offers a glimpse of the nightmare:

It really looks like something out of a movie…

Here’s how you can contribute to relief efforts this week (courtesy ottawastart.com).

  • – The Canadian Red Cross is accepting financial donations by phone, 1-800-418-1111, or at local Red Cross offices.
  • – The Salvation Army is accepting donations of clothes, furniture or household items. Donations can be made at Sally Anne thrift stores. Pickups can be arranged for large items by phone, 613-247-1435 ext. 228.
  • – Kanata MPP Merrilee Fullerton’s constituency office, 100-240 Michael Cowpland Dr. Kanata, is open 9 a.m. Monday to accept clothing donations and supplies.
  • – West-end food banks are accepting donations, as is the Ottawa Food Bank.
  • – The Ottawa Senators have started an online fundraiser.
  • – There’s a Facebook page for coordinating donations/assistance for Dunrobin residents.