Cleanup continues after heavy rain and strong winds whipped across Chatham-Kent on Friday.
Environment Canada issued a tornado warning at 7:40 Friday evening as officials tracked severe thunderstorms with the potential to produce tornadoes. The alert was downgraded to a severe thunderstorm warning just over 20 minutes later.
Residents across the municipality reported fallen trees, downed power lines and poles, minor property damage, and minor flooding on some streets.
Entegrus and Hydro One crews were dispatched shortly after the storm rolled, working to restore power to thousands of customers.
Some areas in the western and southern parts of the municipality, including Tilbury, Wheatley, Dealtown, and Erieau were without power until late Sunday afternoon.
To help with clean-up, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is providing extra yard waste disposal and curbside brush collection for the time being.
The Harwich Leaf and Yard Depot will be open on Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in addition to its regular operating schedule of Tuesday through Saturday.
Expanded brush collection is being offered to residents of Blenheim and Erieau who normally receive curbside brush collection. Tree limbs and brush less than 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter can be placed at the curb. Collection will take place over the coming weeks as crews work through affected areas.
Residents of Shrewsbury, Erie Beach, and Cedar Springs are being provided with a one-time curbside brush collection. Brush and tree limbs less than 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter should be placed at the curb no later than Sunday, July 19, for pickup.
Residents are encouraged to place brush neatly at the curb, ensuring it does not block sidewalks, roadways, fire hydrants, or catch basins.
