Severe weather impacts - September 2

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: 

  • Damaging wind gusts (up to 130 km/h) 

  • Heavy short-duration rainfall or downpours (up to 50 mm) 

  • 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. 

  1. Program and service changes 

  1. Sport field and diamond rentals   

  1. Severe weather resources and safety information 

  1. Health, safety and shelter information    

 

Program and service changes 

Events 

  • Due to threat of severe thunderstorms, tonight's Roos Island performance has been cancelled 

Pools 

  • All outdoor pools are closed   

  • Indoor pools and programs will continue to operate as scheduled  

Other programming  

  • 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 

  • Stay informed, always monitor local news, weather apps for watches and warnings 

  • Take shelter promptly and avoid hazards like flooded roads or open areas 

  • If you are in a house, go to the basement. If you are in an apartment, go to the smallest room. 

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed, secure any loose objects 

  • Ensure you’re stocked up on anything you need such as food & medications 

 

Emergency information  

  • If you see a downed tree in your neighbourhood, please report it: 

    • Call 9-1-1 if a tree is on a house or on a hydro line.  

    • Trees on your property: contact your insurance provider instead 

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.