Severe thunderstorms lead to tornado alerts in Waterloo Region
Posted Sep 2, 2026 06:55:59 AM.
Multiple weather alerts were issued for Waterloo Region on Wednesday as severe thunderstorms rolled through, bringing the risk of a tornado.
First, an orange-level severe thunderstorm watch was issued, followed by both a yellow-level and a red-level severe thunderstorm warning.
Within minutes, a red-level tornado warning was issued for the region.
“This is a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,” read the weather alert from Environment Canada.
Emergency alerts were issued regarding the tornado risk and destructive winds.
“Take cover immediately in a basement, interior room, or a sturdy shelter when threatening weather approaches,” said the national weather agency. “If no shelter is available, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.”
The tornado warning was lifted for Waterloo Region shortly after 5:30 p.m. but a tornado watch remained in effect into the evening.
Tornado watches and warnings were also issued for some surrounding areas Wednesday afternoon including Guelph, Stratford, Mitchell, London, Woodstock and Tillsonburg.
Find the latest information from Environment Canada here.
Power outages were reported as the fast and furious storm swept through the area.
“We are aware of multiple outages across our service territory,” wrote Enova Power Corp. in a social media post. “Crews have been dispatched and are working to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.”
GrandBridge Energy said it was aware of multiple power outages in Cambridge and Brantford due to the storm.
Affected customers were encouraged to check outage maps for the latest information on estimated restoration times.
Earlier Wednesday, Environment Canada had a yellow-level fog advisory in effect but it was dropped around 9:30 a.m.
Early morning commuters told CityNews Kitchener visibility was heavily impacted by the dense fog, with some areas experiencing near-zero visibility.
Weather officials advised drivers to give extra time on the morning commute before the fog was expected to lift throughout the day.
The intense humidity is set to stick around Wednesday, after the humidex reached 38 on Tuesday.
A break from the humidity is set to come Friday, with more comfortable temperatures moving in for the weekend.
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