Residents across Windsor-Essex are cleaning up Saturday morning after a strong summer storm moved through Friday evening, downing multiple trees and branches.
A yellow thunderstorm warning was issued by Environment Canada around 6:15 p.m., before being upgraded to an orange thunderstorm warning shortly after 7 p.m.
The storm knocked out power to thousands at its peak as the weather service warned of destructive wind gusts between 110 and 129 km/h, heavy rain and hail.
Storm damage at Essex Fun Fest
The storm also caused significant damage at the Essex Fun Fest. Strong winds toppled fences, vendor displays and several tents, prompting a response from Essex Fire and Rescue and Essex-Windsor EMS.
An EMS spokesperson tells AM800 News that paramedics assessed three patients. Two were transported to hospital in stable condition, and one patient was treated on scene with minor injuries.
Due to the damage, organizers cancelled the remainder of Friday’s festivities.
Vendor coordinator Katie McGuire-Blais says once they realized what was happening, patrons were ushered into the arena for shelter.
“Once it hit, it took down all of our fencing, ripped down our beer tent, all of our festival tents, our vendor area, our vendor market was just destroyed,” McGuire-Blais said.
“It ripped through there and destroyed everybody’s tents and their wares.”
In a social media post late Friday, organizers said the Essex Fun Fest Parade was scheduled to go on at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, and the festival grounds to open at 11:30 a.m.
McGuire-Blais says the vendor market will not open again for the remainder of the weekend due to the damage.
Organizers say Friday all-day ride pass wristbands will be honoured Saturday or Sunday by World’s Finest Shows, with holders eligible for a replacement wristband at no extra cost.
Fun Fest chairperson Joe Garon took to social media Saturday morning thanking the community for helping rebuild the fairgrounds following the storm.
Power restoration
Shortly after 10:30 p.m. Friday, ENWIN Utilities said its crews were working safely and efficiently to restore service.
Downed wires should be reported to 519-255-2727.
As of 9:45 a.m. Saturday, around 882 ENWIN customers were without power.
Essex Powerlines and E.L.K. Energy also reported multiple power outages and said restoration efforts were underway.
Hydro One also continued to assess damage and restore service.
Devonshire Mall was closed due to power issues but opened later Saturday morning.