EF0 Downburst near Chatham, ON
The NTP has confirmed, following a damage survey and thorough radar analysis, that an EF0 downburst occurred near Chatham in southwestern Ontario. Though there was significant damage to several structures it was determined that downburst winds to only 130 km/h were experienced - resulting in a rating at the high end of EF0. Similar downburst damage was reported in several other locations, from Windsor west of Chatham to Shrewsbury east of Chatham. Only this area of enhanced damage near Chatham was surveyed, however.
An event summary is provided below, along with regional and events maps and survey photos. The tornado can also be plotted using the NTP dashboard here.
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Event Name: Chatham, ON
Date: May 16, 2025
Start Time: 2:15 AM EDT (0615 UTC)
Final Classification: Downburst
Final EF-Scale Rating: EF0
EF-Scale Damage Indicator / Degree of Damage: SBO/DOD-6
Location of worst damage: 42.3473N, 82.2149W
Description: Damage to several barns and farm buildings, power poles and trees was reported south of Chatham after a storm passed through the area. No injuries were reported. An NTP ground and drone survey was completed on May 16, 2025, documenting the reported damage and additional weak damage in the area. Damage assessed as EF0 downburst, with an estimated max. wind speed of 130 km/h, with intermittent damage found over an area approximately 9.0 km long and up to 1.5 km wide. Start time is radar estimated. Satellite imagery review is pending.
Regional map showing the location of the EF0 downburst damage.
Survey map showing the location of the EF0 downburst (black oval) and collected data.
Drone photo of the worst location of damage, an old barn with most walls collapsed (SBO DOD6 LB).
Ground photo of the same 100+ year-old barn, showing partial collapse.
