By Canadian Press

Estimated wind speed and rating increased for Manitoba tornado that killed two

Aug 18, 2020 | 5:40 AM

VIRDEN, Man. — Environment and Climate Change Canada says the rating for a powerful Manitoba tornado that killed two people when it threw their vehicle into a field has been upgraded.

The agency says in a statement that the storm damage survey, along with additional information received after the twister near Vernon on Aug. 7, indicates the tornado was an EF-3 on the five-level Enhanced Fujita Scale, and had estimated wind speeds of 260 km/h.

Preliminary findings released not long after the event had indicated an EF-2, and that wind speeds only reached 190 kilometres per hour.

Shayna Barnesky and Carter Tilbury, both 18 and from Melita, Man., died after police said it appeared they were ejected from their vehicle when the storm hit.

A 54-year-old man from Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation suffered serious injuries when his vehicle was also thrown.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

The tornado also caused extensive damage on a farm, with silos strewn throughout a field.

The storm survey was compiled by the Northern Tornadoes Project, in association with the University of Manitoba and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 17, 2020.

The Canadian Press