Extreme weather event in northern Ont. last weekend was a downburst, not a tornado

While it caused extensive damage, researchers with the Northern Tornadoes Project say the weekend event at a provincial park was a downburst, not a tornado.

Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park near Mattawa, Ont., is still inaccessible after a weekend storm that caused widespread damage.

The storm toppled trees and downed power lines, and some campers had to be rescued.

“The storm, which included a microburst, resulted in extensive tree damage and hazardous conditions throughout the park,” officials at the park said on social media Tuesday.

“Emergency workers have been actively working to assess the damage, clear debris and provide assistance to those affected.”

While many people speculated that a tornado caused the damage, an official with the Northern Tornadoes Project confirmed that it was a downburst that hit the park – although a downburst that caused tornado-level damage.

“Further investigation is needed to determine the full extent and maximum wind speed, though it does appear comparable in intensity with some of the strongest downburst damage that NTP has seen to date,” said Dr. Connell Miller in an email to CTV News.

“Downbursts can cause similar levels of damage to a tornado -- it’s just different mechanisms for how that severe level of wind is created.”

Officials at Samuel de Champlain said they are working with local and emergency services on recovery efforts.

“Restoration plans are currently being developed,” the park said.

“We anticipate it will be at least a week before the park is accessible. Overnight reservation holders have been notified.

To check the status of the closure of Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, click here.