Plane overturned, power outages and downed trees the result of Saturday storm
Thousands of people were left without power with hydro crews busy
The weather turned quickly from hot and humid to blowing wind and pounding rain late Saturday morning leaving widespread damage across the London area.
Much of southwestern Ontario got a taste of the thunderstorm with Environment Canada having forecast 100 kilometre an hour wind and hail.
The damage in the London area, including north, east and west of the city, included trees blocking roads, power poles knocked down and some houses smashed by limbs. A small plane at the London International Airport was also overturned by the force of the wind.
House on Waterloo St damaged by trees felled during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/onstorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#onstorm</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ldnont?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ldnont</a>. <a href="https://t.co/hFBUulQWJm">pic.twitter.com/hFBUulQWJm</a>
—@AndrewLuptonCBCLondon Hydro crews were reporting large outages around Byron and Lobo, the Masonville area and across the north eastern section of the city Saturday. Traffic lights were out along major routes, including parts of Oxford Street.
Outside of London, Hydro One crews were just as busy, with more than 6,000 homes impacted in the immediate area.
The OPP said it was responding to "tons" of calls about down trees on the highways, particularly west of London.
"We've had reports of people trying to remove power poles and lines from the roads," said Const. Ed Sanchuck. "Please don't do that. You're putting yourself in jeopardy and grave danger, if those lines are live."
Police also said there was significant amounts of water on some roads causing dangerous conditions for drivers who were hitting the wet sections unexpectedly.
Environment Canada was forecasting more thunderstorms Saturday evening causing organizers of an outdoor Block Party on Dundas Place in downtown to cancel and move musical acts indoors at the London Music Hall.
