Large F1 cone tornado narrowly misses Dryden, decimates forest along 24km path
This F1 tornado moved in a northeasterly direction and passed just north of Dryden and its regional airport, levelling 300 hectares of forest in its path. This was the most significant tornado that occurred during a family of twisters moved through Northwest Ontario. It touched down at approximately 4:15pm and was on the ground for half an hour, travelling for 24km with a width of 100m.
Many eyewitnesses captured photos and videos of the photogenic cone tornado, making it one of the most well-documented twisters ever in Northwest Ontario. After reviewing aerial images of the damage which were provided by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment Canada noted in its report that the tornado likely would have earned a higher rating had any structures been impacted.
This was one of four tornadoes that touched down on August 16, 2011. The others occurred at Wenasaga Lake (F1), Lac Seul (F1) and Gerry Lake (F1).
