Hazard information

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.

You can check local weather and forecasts online.

Weather alerts

Safety tips

  • be aware of weather conditions and warnings
  • seek shelter immediately if a warning has been issued or you believe one could occur

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'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're in a mobile home:

  • Go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately. Mobile homes do not offer much protection from tornadoes.

If power outage results:

Prepare now

  • Have 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.