10 Dead After Flash Storm Rips Through Ontario and Quebec

Though the thunderstorm that ravaged through much of Ontario and Quebec this weekend seemed to come and go in a flash, the damage it caused is ongoing.

While eight people died in the storm on Saturday, one more passed on Sunday after being struck by a falling tree branch. On Monday, Peterborough police reported a tenth death. On top of the rising death count, 182,000 Ontarians were still without power as of Monday. 

The storm didn’t come as a surprise to climatologists even though it only lasted about an hour. A tornado in Michigan predicted the ravenous weather across northeast North America just a day before it hit Canada. 

Both provinces issued an emergency alert about the storm, warning people to stay inside. “Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a very dangerous thunderstorm capable of producing destructive wind gusts, up to toonie size hail and heavy rain,” reads the warning. “This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.”

Some schools across the affected area remain closed as they remain without power. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson has urged residents of the city to work from home if they can, as some streetlights still don’t have power.