The Government of Canada provides safety information regarding tornadoes. Some of this information is below.

Warning signs of a potential tornado

  • Severe thunderstorms, with frequent thunder and lightning.
  • An extremely dark sky, sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds.
  • A rumbling or whistling sound.
  • A funnel cloud at the rear base of a thundercloud, often behind a curtain of heavy rain or hail.

Canada's tornado warning system

Environment Canada is responsible for warning the public when conditions exist that may produce tornadoes. It does this through radio, television, newspapers, its internet site, as well as through its weather phone lines.

If you live in one of Canada's high-risk areas, you should listen to your radio during severe thunderstorms.

What to do during a tornado

If you are in a house

  • Go to the basement or take shelter in a small interior ground floor room such as the bathroom, closet or hallway.
  • If you do not have a basement, protect yourself by taking shelter under a heavy table or desk.
  • In all cases, stay away from windows, outside walls and doors.

If you live on a farm

  • Livestock hear and sense approaching tornadoes.
  • If your family or home is at risk, the livestock will be a non-issue.
  • If your personal safety is not an issue, you may only have time to open routes of escape for your livestock. Open the gate, if you must, and then exit the area in a direction away from the expected path of the twister.

If you are in an office or apartment building

  • Take shelter in an inner hallway or room, ideally in the basement or on the ground floor.
  • Do not use the elevator.
  • Stay away from windows.

If you are in a gymnasium, church or auditorium

  • Large buildings with wide-span roofs may collapse if a tornado hits.
  • If possible, find shelter in another building.
  • If you are in one of these buildings and cannot leave, take cover under a sturdy structure such as a table or desk.

Avoid cars and mobile homes/trailers

  • 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/trailer. Beware of flooding from downpours and be prepared to move.

If you are driving

  • If you spot a tornado go to the nearest solid shelter
  • If the tornado is close, get out of your car and take cover in a low-lying area, such as a ditch.

In all cases

  • Get as close to the ground as possible, protect your head and watch for flying debris.
  • Do not chase tornadoes – they are unpredictable and can change course abruptly.
  • A tornado is deceptive. It may appear to be standing still but in fact is moving toward you.