Tornado sweeps through Uxbridge; extensive damage in Oshawa, Pickering, Ajax and Clarington

A severe thunderstorm with wind speeds the equivalent of a low-grade tornado swept through Durham Region Saturday afternoon causing widespread damage and knocking out power for many residents.

Power lines and trees were brought down by the intense storm across the region, with reports of downed lines and fallen trees in Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa and Clarington.

The Oshawa Zoo reported major damage and will be closed Sunday for the clean-up efforts.

Second Wedge Brewery Uxbridge

The damage was even more acute in Uxbridge where roofs were ripped off buildings and cars were seen flipped upside down. Second Wedge Brewery near downtown Uxbridge was left with extensive damage after winds tore off the roof, leaving the brewing tanks exposed to the elements.

Uxbridge. Photo courtesy of Sarah Law@Lawsy97

“The town of Uxbridge is reeling right now, after a likely tornado went through earlier this afternoon. Everyone at the brewery is ok, but as you can see we’ve sustained major damage and will be closed until further notice,” the brewery posted on their Facebook page. “We hope everyone in town is safe and… we’ll be back.”

One poster on social media described being “pummelled” by the storm and reported that a state of emergency had been declared in the Township.

Police around Ontario are also reporting at least two deaths from the storm. Peel Regional Police said a woman was struck and killed by a large tree while she was walking in the storm in Brampton and OPP West Region said on Twitter that one person has died and two others were injured after a tree fell on a camping trailer at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area.

Elexicon Energy said an estimated 64,000 customers in Durham Region were without power as of three p.m.

Environment Canada lifted the severe thunderstorm warning in Durham at 2:19 p.m.

Sending positive thoughts to the team at @Thesecondwedge in Uxbridge, which was heavily damaged by a tornado earlier today. Photos from their Facebook page, where they confirm that no-one was injured, but they'll be closed until further notice. pic.twitter.com/MrirA1HXHM

— Canadian Beer News (@cdnbeernews) May 21, 2022