WEATHER: Severe storm rips through Sarnia-Lambton

Journal staff Widespread power outages and extensive damage were reported across Sarnia-Lambton, following a severe storm that prompted tornado warnings for the area Thursday afternoon.

Journal staff

Widespread power outages and extensive damage were reported across Sarnia-Lambton, following a severe storm that prompted tornado warnings for the area Thursday afternoon.

Bluewater Power said crews worked through the night to restore power after downed trees littered the city, some blocking roadways and landing on homes, buildings and vehicles.

“At the peak of the damage today, we had approximately 17,000 customer without power,” the company posted Thursday.

Sarnia Fire & Rescue said crews responded to multiple emergencies following the intense storm, including downed wires. Residents were being urged to call 911 to report lines on the ground, and stay back at least 10m or 33 feet. Sarnia Police also remind residents to treat all intersections without power as four-way stops.

“Many reports of trees down and outages all over the city,” a Bluewater Power post read, Thursday. “Crews are responding but it may have to be PB &J for dinner tonight folks.”

Dozens of images of downed trees, damaged properties and large hail have been shared by residents on social media. Environment Canada issued a tornado warning for the area around 4 p.m., Thursday.

More to come.