TORNADO WARNING: Trio of twisters reported in southern Ontario

Tornado warnings have been issued for nearly a dozen Ontario communities with a trio of twisters spotted on Tuesday evening.

Environment Canada issued a warning early in the day, but said in an update shortly before 7 p.m. that the first tornado was seen over Burgessville, some 85 kilometres west of Hamilton.

A second tornado was reported in Springford, around 15 kilometres from Burgessville.

The twister is “moving quickly to the east” at 80 km/h, the weather agency says.

Communities in the tornado’s path include:

• Norwich.
• Otterville.
• Princeton.
• Teeterville.
• Burford.
• Scotland.
• Waterford.
• County of Brant.
• Brantford.

And a third tornado has been reported in the Northern Peterborough County near the Alpine Village, moving east at 65 km/h with 90 km/h to 110 km/h winds.

Areas in the path include:

• Mississagua Landing.
• Wolf Island Provincial Park.
• Burleigh Falls.
• Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park.

“This is a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” the weather agency says.

Take cover immediately in a basement, interior room, or a sturdy shelter when threatening weather approaches. If no shelter is available, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.

If you are out on the water when threatening weather approaches, return to shore and seek shelter, if possible. Otherwise, move away from the path of the tornado to escape. Wear your lifejacket, lie face down and protect your head.

Editor’s note: this is a developing story, and originally reported two tornadoes.