Tips for Tornadoes
Tornadoes are rotating columns of high winds. Tornadoes can be hard to predict and can move up to 70 km/hour and leave a long path of destruction including uprooted trees, overturned cars, and demolished houses. Beware of flying debris. Even small objects such as sticks and straw can become dangerous.
Although they usually strike in the afternoon and early evening, they have also been known to strike at night. Most tornadoes occur in June and July although the season extends from April to September.
Tornado warning signs
Severe thunderstorms.
An extremely dark sky, sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds.
A rumbling or whistling sound similar to the sound of a freight train.
A funnel cloud at the rear base of a thundercloud, often being a curtain of heavy rain or hail.
What to do during a tornado if you are...
Avoid cars and mobile homes
More than half of all deaths from tornadoes happen in mobile homes.
Find shelter elsewhere, preferably in a building with a strong foundation.
If no shelter is available, lie down in a ditch away from the car or mobile home.
Beware of flooding from downpours and be prepared to move.
In all cases
Get as close to the ground as possible, protect your head and watch for flying debris.
A tornado can be deceptive. It may appear to be standing still but is, in fact moving toward you.
Check for updates with Environment Canada or The Weather Network.