By Tom Spears

Postmedia

Ottawa paramedics are responding to multiple calls of people trapped in houses and cars, and others injured from flying debris after a storm ripped through the Ottawa valley Friday evening.

In Dunrobin, police have set up a command centre and closed the road in and out of town. Police are directing those trying to connect with family members to a local community centre.

Several homes in Dunrobin were destroyed and multiple buildings suffered extensive damage after a the storm, believed to have been a tornado, touched down.

“We’ve had multiple 9-1-1 calls” from Dunrobin, said Ottawa Fire spokeswoman Roxanne Emery.

Police are going door to door in the area, checking for anyone who may be trapped.

The Carp Fair has been evacuated and fairgoers were told to seek shelter in a nearby arena.

Ambulances have also been sent to Dunrobin but there are no reports available on injuries.

Just after 7 p.m. Mayor Jim Watson Tweeted that he was en route to Dunrobin with Coun. Eli El-Chantiry to assess storm damage.

In Gatineau, firefighters put out a fire that broke out in École secondaire Mont-Bleu after the storm. There is also damage to a number of buildings along Boulevard Cité-des-Jeunes, mostly roofing blown off.

The Ottawa Airport has suspended “ground operations” as a precaution because there is lightning in the area.

This means that incoming aircraft can still land, but cannot go to a gate and unload passengers and luggage. Ground crews also cannot load cargo onto airplanes until lightning leaves the area.

The regular power supply went off at the airport so lights are dim as the building uses backup power.

The Hydro Ottawa site is down as of 6:15 p.m., overloaded by demand.

There are multiple power outages throughout Ottawa affecting thousands of customers.

There is damage on west side of Gatineau. Gatineau police issued a statement asking residents to stay indoors and off the roads as storm damage is assessed.

First responders are asking that people only call 911 in case of emergency. Their lines are overwhelmed with inquiries about the storm.

The Ottawa Senators tweeted out that Friday night’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks was still on at the Canadian Tire Centre. Reporters covering the game said power had gone out twice.