Environment Canada meteorologists confirmed Sept 18 that the Elie, Manitoba tornado of June 22, 2007 reached F5 intensity, the highest rating on the Fujita tornado damage scale. Wind speeds are estimated to have reached between 420 to 510 km/hour when the tornado was at its most intense. 

Eleven tornadoes have occurred in Manitoba so far this summer. In 2006, Manitoba experienced 15 tornadoes, compared to a long term (1984-2006) average of nine tornadoes.

Is climate change responsible?