Severe weather impacts - September 2 - 9:30 pm
Updated at 9:30 p.m.
As of 9:30 p.m., Kitchener forestry crews have received more than 60 calls regarding downed trees and debris. Crews are working late this evening to address issues, prioritizing clearing roadways, then driveways, then sidewalks, and will return to non-urgent areas in the morning. There may be an impact to residents' morning commute.
Otherwise, we expect a return to normal operations for most City programs and services tomorrow, but continue to check Kitchener.ca/news for the latest updates. We appreciate residents' patience as crews work to respond to priority areas and clear debris safely.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Waterloo Region, with a severe weather threat expected to develop this afternoon.
This includes conditions favourable to produce tornados along a line running from Grand Bend through London and into the Kitchener area. Other potential severe impacts could include:
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Damaging wind gusts (up to 130 km/h)
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Heavy short-duration rainfall or downpours (up to 50 mm)
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Large hail up to 5 cm (golf ball)
Please take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
City of Kitchener programs, events and services may be impacted. Please check back regularly for additional updates. This list was last updated on September 2 at 5:30 p.m.
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Program and service changes
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Sport field and diamond rentals
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Severe weather resources and safety information
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Health, safety and shelter information
Program and service changes
Events
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Due to threat of severe thunderstorms, tonight's Roos Island performance has been cancelled
Pools
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All outdoor pools are closed
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Indoor pools and programs will continue to operate as scheduled
Other programming
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Golf courses will remain open. Rain checks are offered to paying green fee players if they are unable to complete their round due to weather
Sport field and diamond rentals
At this time, sports fields and diamonds remain open. A decision to close will be made based on the current weather, field conditions, and whether service levels were achieved.
Any sports organization with a sports field or diamond rental may self-select to cancel programming due to weather conditions. If your organization decides to cancel activities, please notify the Facility Scheduler – Sportfields as soon as possible by emailing fieldbookings@kitchener.ca.
Organizations are encouraged to monitor severe weather and make decisions based on the health and safety of participants, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators.
Severe weather resources and safety information
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Stay informed, always monitor local news, weather apps for watches and warnings
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Take shelter promptly and avoid hazards like flooded roads or open areas
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If you are in a house, go to the basement. If you are in an apartment, go to the smallest room.
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Stay indoors with windows and doors closed, secure any loose objects
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Sign up for Alert Waterloo Region to receive local emergency notifications on your smartphone
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Ensure you’re stocked up on anything you need such as food & medications
Emergency information
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Active Alerts for Kitchener, ON - The Weather Network (Orange Watch)
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Subscribe to Alert Waterloo Region for alerts sent directly to your smartphone
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Surface Water Monitoring Centre (Provincial source for flood information)
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If you see a downed tree in your neighbourhood, please report it:
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Call 9-1-1 if a tree is on a house or on a hydro line.
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Boulevard trees: call 519-741-2345 or fill out our online form here: https://bit.ly/3jqUtms
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Trees on your property: contact your insurance provider instead
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For safety issues requiring immediate attention, please call our 24/7 contact centre at 519-741-2345.
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.