Real Thing Cancels `Twister' Showing -- Tornado Flattens Barns, Homes In Ontario

HAMILTON, Ontario - A tornado that tore through southwestern Ontario smashed two-ton trucks, flattened homes and barns and blew away a drive-in movie theater showing the film "Twister."

There were no immediate reports of casualties from yesterday's storm, which followed a weekend of severe thunderstorms and flooding.

Environment Canada spokesman Phil Chadwick said at least one tornado touched down. He said police in St. Catharines reported two storm paths, but officials said they would not know exactly how many tornadoes hit until they surveyed the area.

The storm demolished two barns housing 30,000 chickens and tore the roof off another containing a collection of vintage cars; two of the vehicles were flattened.

Dave Wilsher said he was on his way to see the movie "Twister" at a St. Catharines drive-in when the real thing "hit like a wall." When he got to the theater, he found the screen had been destroyed.