The Mayor of Foam Lake described her experience when Wednesday’s tornado touched down close to her community.
Shelly Thoen-Chaykoski says it was at the end of a nice hot and humid day when the tornado came, describing the experience as “quite frightening” seeing it come that close so quickly.
It went around the Town but a farm yard 2 kilometres west of Foam Lake was in the twister’s direct path.
“The destruction is just unbelieveable,” Thoen-Chaykoski said of the aftermath.
Pictures and videos on social media show heavily damaged grain bins and a shed, downed trees, and equipment scattered, but according to Thoen-Chaykoski, the family is okay.
“The community has gathered around there and are pitching in to help them, as our friends and our neighbours in the rural area get back on their feet and try to clean up” she said.
The mayor also says the response from local emergency crews – the local fire department, RCMP, public works crews and SaskPower – has been nothing short of amazing.
“Their responses to deal with the issues at hand were immediate and it was amazing to see that in action and we’re so appreciative of those folks that keep us all safe.” said Thoen-Chaykoski.
The tornado also resulted in the power being knocked out for the Foam Lake, Wynyard and Wadena areas.
Wynyard and Wadena are back online, and according to the latest Tweet from SaskPower, crews are working to get power restored to the Foam Lake area, and expected to have service restored by 6:15 p.m.