Catastrophic and what you might encounter in a war zone.
That’s how officials are describing the scene after an EF-2 tornado ripped through a south end Barrie neighbourhood Thursday.
Eleven people were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries, and as many as 25 structures sustained damage and several homes were destroyed.
News Director Dan Blakeley with 1075 Kool FM and Rock 95 says the weather event hit shortly after a tornado warning was issued.
“A lot of people were caught off-guard, but they reacted very quickly to the conditions,” Blakeley told Acadia News. “Officials are doing their best to keep gawkers away from the area because there are a few of those but a lot of people just want to help in any way they can.”
Premier Doug Ford is expected to tour the area Friday afternoon.
The event was similar to the tornado that hit Barrie in 1985, but that one claimed eight lives and destroyed 600 homes.
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- Photo courtesy of Dan Blakeley – Barrie 360
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- Photo courtesy of Dan Blakeley – Barrie 360
