Possible tornado spotted in Quebec for second time this year

The Northern Tornadoes Project is investigating whether a rotating cloud spotted near Howick, Que., during Saturday’s storm was a tornado — possibly the second in the province this year. (Credit Éric Doré)

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says it received footage of what “appears to be a tornado” near Howick, Que., around 7 p.m. on Saturday.

“An investigation will be conducted to confirm whether it was indeed a tornado and, if so, to determine its intensity,” the agency said in a summary released Sunday.

Maja Rapaic, a meteorologist with ECCC, said the video shows “nice rotation,” but it remains unclear whether it touched down—something required for it to be officially classified as a tornado.

No damage has been reported, according to ECCC. The agency noted that the category of a tornado is determined by the damage it causes

“We don’t see any debris, but it still remains a possibility, but we cannot confirm it,” the Rapaic said.

ECCC sent the information to the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) for analysis.

“We’re actively investigating that event right now,” NTP said in a statement.

“There was definitely a funnel cloud, but that doesn’t mean there were tornadic winds at the surface (i.e. 90+ km/h). So, we are looking for more evidence with this one before confirming it as a tornado.”

Saturday’s thunderstorms brought heavy rain, hail, and strong winds to parts of the province.

Quebec’s first confirmed tornado of the year occurred in Saint-Zénon on April 20.