A tornado (or twister) is a powerful rotating column of wind that can hurt people and damage property. Very large thunderstorms can create tornadoes. Tornadoes can appear after a heavy rain or hail in a sky that is green, yellow or black.
Ontario averages about 18 tornadoes a year, usually between May and September.
Environment Canada issues warnings when tornadoes are imminent or already detected, which are distributed through emergency warning systems such as Alert Ready (found on TV, radio, and smartphone channels), and weather applications.
Tornado Watch: A tornado watch is issued when conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms with one or more tornadoes.
Tornado Warning: A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been reported; or when there is evidence based on radar, or from a reliable spotter that a tornado is imminent.
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- Identify a safe room in your home where everyone gathers during a tornado — a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Conduct a tornado drill to make sure everyone knows where to go if a tornado is coming.
- Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
- An approaching cloud of debris can indicate a tornado, even if you cannot see a funnel. The wind may die and the air can be quite still before a tornado.
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If you're indoors:
- The safest place to be is an underground shelter, basement or safe room.
- If you don't have a basement, go to the centre of an interior room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls - put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
- Get under a sturdy piece of furniture — use your arms to protect your head and neck.
- Don't open windows or doors.
- If you are in a mobile home, go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately. Mobile homes do not offer much protection from tornadoes.
If you're outdoors:
- Don't wait until you see the tornado to get inside.
- If you can't get inside, lie flat in a low-lying area such as a ditch and cover your head with your hands.
- Don't go under an overpass or bridge - you're safer in a low, flat area.
- If you are in a car, do not try to outrun a tornado. Leave your vehicle immediately and find an indoor shelter or low-lying area like a ditch.
- Be aware of debris and flying objects.
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Follow the instructions of the authorities.
- Listen to directions such as evacuation orders or shelter in place directives.
- Follow the township on Tiny Connect and on Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter).
- Visit the newsroom to read the latest news releases from the township.
Do not go into damaged areas. There may be structural damage that may or may not be visible.
- Be aware that debris can present hazards – tripping, puncture wounds, collapsing structures, etc.
- Watch for sharp objects like nails and glass.
- Injuries due to tornadoes are often caused after the tornado has ended, when walking among and cleaning up debris.
- Watch out for downed power lines or ruptured gas lines. If you smell natural gas, get away from the source and notify authorities of a gas leak.
Check to see if you or others are injured.
- Do not move seriously injured or trapped people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury (such as from a collapsing structure).
- Seek medical assistance for them as soon as possible.
Stay informed
- Continue to monitor local weather information, preferably from battery-powered or wind-up radios.
- Use battery powered lights or lanterns, rather than candles, to light a home.
- Open flames can be dangerous if gas lines are compromised.
- Never use generators, camp stoves, or other fuel-burning appliances inside.
- Carbon monoxide, a clear, colorless, and odourless gas, can be emitted from these appliances and causes illness or death.
- Use battery powered lights or lanterns, rather than candles, to light a home. Open flames can be dangerous if gas lines are compromised.
Never use generators, camp stoves, or other fuel-burning appliances inside.
- Carbon monoxide, a clear, colorless, and odourless gas, can be emitted from these appliances and causes illness or death.