Environment Canada has confirmed two tornadoes touched down in Muskoka on Friday.

The weather office assessed the damage to trees and some buildings in an area about 15 kilometres northeast of Huntsville and found they were the result of two tornadoes that touched down no more than 25 minutes apart.

“The first tornado touched down about 3:52 p.m.,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Weiqing Zhang, noting it touched down on Fairy Lake near Huntsville.

The second tornado, which made its debut not long after 4 p.m., travelled between lakes in its short-lived journey, going approximately nine kilometres from Pell Lake to Rebecca Lake to Dotty Lake.

Officials estimate the initial twister had speeds of 130 km/h to 150 km/h, but its successor was more powerful, moving at almost 200 km/h.

Zhang confirmed at least three cottages were affected, and there was “extensive tree damage and some structure damage” in the overall area, as well as “hydro poles down.”

The thunderstorms that moved through the region downed trees and knocked out power to about 13,000 Hydro One customers, many of whom had no electricity for much of Saturday.

Zhang said summer usually produces the best conditions for tornadoes, and Ontario often sees around five to 10 each year during the summer.

These were the fifth and sixth tornadoes in Ontario since March, Zhang said.

Last year saw an increase in tornadoes with 11 occurring between March and October.

When asked if Ontario residents should worry about tornadoes more, Zhang said, “you don’t have to,” adding that it all depends on the weather conditions.

“The most important thing is: keep safe,” she said. “On Friday, that day, we issued a tornado watch way early for that area. Even just a watch means the conditions are very favourable. People should be aware ... of this kind of warning or watch and find a safe place to stay until the warning/watch (is) cancelled.”

With files from The Canadian Press

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