Suspicions that damage north of Mitchell was caused by tornadic activity have been confirmed.
Western University's Northern Tornadoes Project sent a survey team to the area on Thursday, where investigators documented an EF1 downburst around Brodhagen in West Perth. They also reportedly found evidence of tornadoes in the Wellesley and Tavistock areas.
Estimated maximum wind speeds and path width are still be determined. The survey team will be back out on Friday investigating these areas, as well as other locations where extensive damage was reported.
Trees and power lines were downed and a barn, shed, and grain elevator were destroyed when a storm system rolled in off Lake Huron late Wednesday afternoon. Neither the downburst or tornadoes resulted in any injuries.
Thousands of homes and businesses lost power during the storm. As of Friday morning, hundreds in Huron and Perth counties were still without power. Hydro One said crews are out in full force restoring power in the region, with some customers not expected to get the lights back on until 11 p.m. Others have been given no indication when power will be reconnected.
