A storm hit Prince Edward Island on Wednesday afternoon, bringing high winds, hail, rain, thunder, and lightning. The storm passed through Charlottetown around 1:40 p.m., causing power outages for thousands of Maritime Electric customers, primarily in Charlottetown.
Meteorologist Ryan Snodden from CBC described the weather as tumultuous in central and eastern parts of the province, with slow-moving thunderstorms resulting in heavy rainfall, strong winds, and localized hail. Radar estimates indicated rainfall rates reaching nearly 50 mm/h.
There was a high likelihood of a tornado touching down near Souris in eastern P.E.I., as evidenced by a video showing trees being lifted into the air and the tornado becoming visible once over the water. Brielle Campbell observed what she believed to be a tornado from her home in Little Harbour near Souris, noting swirling clouds and intense activity in the field.
Residents also reported chaotic weather conditions, with sudden shifts between heavy rain, sunshine, and downpours. The storm caused localized flooding in Charlottetown, prompting warnings from the police to drivers. Some areas, like Sherwood and Parkdale, experienced street closures due to flooding, leading to the closure of businesses and the UPEI sports center.
In one incident captured on video, a dumpster was seen floating away on Exhibition Drive in Charlottetown during the storm. The unpredictable nature of the storm left residents and authorities on high alert.
