Latest news with #EFO
Global News
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Global News
Researchers confirm 1st tornado of 2025 in Ontario has touched down
Tornado season is officially underway in Ontario as the first one touched down near Woodstock, Ont., a week ago, according to weather researchers. The Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) at Western University said Thursday that an EFO tornado — the lowest level on the tornado severity index — touched down in Lakeside, Ont., at around 3 a.m. on May 16. In a blog post on NTP's website, the group says that 'only trees and a power pole were damaged along the tornado's narrow path' and that no injuries were reported. View image in full screen A map, courtesy of the Northern Tornadoes Project, shows where the tornado touched down. Northern Tornadoes Project The NTP estimated that wind speeds reached up to 115 km/h while it touched down for 3.6 kilometres with a width of 160 metres. Story continues below advertisement The NTP had previously reported that there was an EFO downburst about 45 minutes prior to the tornado down the highway in Chatham. The downburst left behind damage to several barns and farm buildings as well as power poles and trees in the area. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Global News Chief Meteorologist Anthony Farnell explained the difference between the two weather events. 'A downburst is wind that descends from a thunderstorm and fans out when it reaches the ground while a tornado that is wind converging at the surface and then rising into the storm,' he said. 'The damage pattern is different for the two events but in this case the wind speeds are similar. 'Tornado damage is often narrow and chaotic (in several directions). Downbust wind damage can be more widespread but it's mostly in the same direction.' While this is the first confirmed tornado of the year in Ontario, there have been five others across the country in 2025 so far, including one in Vanderhoof, B.C., on Wednesday. There were 129 tornados across Canada in 2025, according to NTP, with 60 of those occurring in Ontario.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Calumet City Deputy Fire Chief dies of illness at 48
CALUMET CITY, Ill. (WGN) — A south suburban deputy fire chief died earlier this week due to an illness, according to a press release from Calumet City Mayor Thaddeus Jones. Calumet City Deputy Fire Chief Pete Bendinelli died at his Dyer, Indiana home Monday surrounded by family after battling an illness over the past year. 'Deputy Chief Bendinelli was the crown jewel of our Fire Department. He was considered a best-in-class executive firefighter who enjoyed tremendous success throughout his tenure with the Calumet City Fire Department,' Jones said. 'He had a keen sense of every fire protocol and regulation and shared his expertise with scores of young firefighters throughout southern Cook County.' Bendinelli began his fire service career with Burnham Fire Department before joining the Midlothian Fire Department in 1997. In October 1998, he found his home with the Calumet City Fire Department, where Jones said he dedicated himself to serving the community with courage and compassion. Bendinelli earned his master's degree and his Chief Fire Officer (CFO) certification from Indiana University Northwest. Jones said his biggest accomplishment in the fire service was receiving the prestigious Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification from the National Fire Academy in 2023. Calumet City's mayor also pointed out Bendinelli was recognized as one of only two legacies in the program, an honor he shared with his good friend and fellow graduate Matthew Berk. Calumet City Fire Chief Glenn Bachert said he often relied upon Bendinelli to take the lead in handling city-wide emergencies. Such was the case with recent flooding challenges of 2023 when the deputy chief led rescue efforts and received regional accolades for how well he performed his duties. 'I have been extremely fortunate to have Pete Bendinelli as my Deputy Chief. Much of the success, advancement and enhanced upward mobility of our department is because of the compassion, focus, and dedication that Pete Bendinelli displayed on a daily basis,' Bachert said. 'His footprint within our ranks will always be treasured and never forgotten. 'I will miss him not only as my Deputy Chief, but more importantly as my friend.' Mayor Jones concluded the press release with 'On behalf of the entire city of Calumet City, we collectively send our heartfelt thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the entire Bendinelli family. We absolutely loved and admired Deputy Chief Bendinelli, but God loved him so much more.' Bendinelli is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lisa Bendinelli and his two daughters, Mariana and Mia Bendinelli. Visitation will take place at Faith Church, 100 W. 81st Avenue, Dyer, Indiana, on Friday, April 4, from 2-8 p.m. Funeral Services will take place Saturday, April 5, at 10 a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
