Plane overturned, power outages and downed trees as a result of Saturday’s storm

The weather quickly changed from hot and humid to blustery winds and heavy rain late on Saturday morning, leaving widespread damage in Greater London.

Much of southwestern Ontario got a taste of the thunderstorm, with Environment Canada forecasting 100 mph winds and hail.

Damage in the London area, including north, east and west of the city, included trees blocking roads, downed power poles and some homes smashed by tree branches. A small plane at London International Airport was also overturned by the force of the wind.

London Hydro crews reported major outages around Byron and Lobo, the Masonville area and the north-eastern part of the city on Saturday. Traffic lights had failed on major roads, including parts of Oxford Street.

Power was out across the London area, including here in Thorndale where a power pole was downed by Saturday’s storm. (Amanda Margison/CBC News)

Outside London, Hydro One crews have been just as busy, with more than 6,000 homes in the immediate area affected.

The OPP said it was responding to “tons” of calls about fallen trees on the motorways, particularly west of London.

“We’ve had reports of people trying to remove utility poles and wires from the streets,” Const said. Ed Sanchuk. “Please don’t do this. You are putting yourself in danger, and great danger, when these lines are live.”

The wind was so strong that a Diamond Aircraft plane overturned at London International Airport. (Submitted by Paul Colyn)

Police also said there were significant amounts of water on some roads, creating dangerous conditions for drivers who unexpectedly encountered the wet sections.

Environment Canada forecast more thunderstorms on Saturday night, prompting organizers of an outdoor block party in the city center’s Dundas Place to cancel musical performances and move them to London Music Hall.

A tree was downed on the corner of Nottinghill Road and Commissioners following the storm on Saturday 21 May 2022. (Gary Ennett / CBC News)

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