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Home Tornadoes
Tornadoes form suddenly, often preceded by warm, humid weather. Warning signs include:
May to September are prime tornado months. Tornadoes usually hit in the afternoon and early evening but they have been known to strike at night too. Learn more Tornadoes in Canada ![]()
If you live in one of Canada's high-risk areas, you should listen to your radio during severe thunderstorms. As a rule, when Environment Canada issues a tornado warning, radio stations broadcast it immediately. If you hear that a tornado warning has been issued for your area, take cover immediately. During a tornado ![]()
If you are in an office or apartment building:
Avoid buildings such as gymnasiums, churches and auditoriums with wide-span roofs. These roofs do not have supports in the middle and may collapse if a tornado hits them. If you are in one of these buildings, take cover under a sturdy structure. Avoid cars and mobile homes. More than 50 percent of all deaths from tornadoes happen in mobile homes. Take 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. However, beware of flooding from downpours and be prepared to move. If you are driving and spot a tornado in the distance, try to get to a nearby shelter. If the tornado is close, get out of your car and take cover in a low-lying area. In all cases, get as close to the ground as possible, protect your head and watch for flying debris. Small objects such as sticks and straws can become lethal weapons when thrown by a tornado's winds. Keep in mind that if a tornado is heading straight for you, it may appear to be standing still. |