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Part of Hazard preparedness

Tornadoes and extreme winds

Tornadoes are common in Alberta. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Overview

A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending between a thundercloud and the ground and can reach speeds of up to 400 km/h in some cases. Most develop in the late afternoon and early evening.

In most of Alberta, a wind warning is given for winds expected to reach at least 70 km/h, or gust at least 90 km/h.

Tornado and extreme wind facts

When you are aware of a tornado or extreme winds in your area, remember the following:

  • May through September is tornado and hail season, with mid-June to early August being the peak time.
  • Tornadoes are often hard to see from far away and not all have a visible funnel cloud.
  • Tornadoes usually come from the south or west, but can quickly change direction without warning.
  • Large hailstones often accompany tornadoes. Take cover when hail begins – do not go outside.
  • A tornado is deceptive – it may appear to be standing still when it is moving toward you.

Seek shelter and stay safe

When you are aware of a tornado in your area, it is important to seek shelter immediately and remain in place until the severe weather passes. If you are outdoors and exposed, get to low-lying ground, lay flat and protect your head from flying debris.

Stay safe by being informed of severe weather in your area by following local forecasters on social media, listening to the radio, and downloading alert apps onto your phone, such as Alberta Emergency Alert. Have an emergency plan so you are prepared to leave early and know in advance where to safely take shelter from the threat.

Always remember to follow instructions from authorities. Disobeying an order puts lives at risk.

  • In a detached home

    • Go to the basement or underground shelter, if available.
    • Otherwise, take shelter in a small interior ground floor room such as a bathroom, closet or hallway.
    • Make sure windows and doors are closed and secured, and then stay away from them.

  • On a farm

    • Shelter in your home, as above.
    • Do not try to rescue or shelter livestock unless you feel it is safe to do so.

  • In an office or apartment

    • 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.

  • Large building

    • Buildings such as an arena or shopping mall may collapse if a tornado hits.
    • If possible, find shelter in another building.
    • If trapped inside, take cover under a sturdy object such as a table or desk.

  • Mobile home or vehicle

    • Mobile homes and vehicles are not safe during tornadoes and extreme windstorms.
    • If you know severe weather is approaching and do not have safe shelter, leave the area well in advance and seek shelter in a building (preferably with a solid foundation). If it is too late to leave the area by vehicle, seek shelter in a nearby solid building immediately.
    • If there is no solid building near you, take shelter in a ditch, culvert or low-lying area away from vehicles and mobile homes. Cover your head for protection, beware of flooding from downpours, and be prepared to move.

  • When driving

    • If the threat is visible far in the distance, you may be able to avoid it by moving at right angles to its path. Otherwise, seek shelter in a solid building immediately.
    • If the threat is near and shelter is not available, get out of the vehicle and take cover in a ditch, culvert or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Cover your head for protection, beware of flooding from downpours, and be prepared to move.
    • Never try to outrun a nearby tornado.
    • Avoid sheltering under bridges and overpasses where wind speeds can increase.

Financial preparedness

  • Speak to an insurance agent about your specific needs.
  • Know your insurance options and policy limits. Make sure your home, vehicle, business and belongings are protected. Talk to your insurance agent to learn about what is not covered in your insurance policy.
  • If possible, consider an emergency savings account to cover temporary expenses while you are out of your home.
  • If you can, keep emergency cash handy in case banking services are unavailable.
  • If you are evacuated, keep all receipts for additional expenses.
  • Prepare a detailed list of all your belongings. For more information, see Home Inventory.
  • Know the 7 steps for making a home insurance claim. For more information, see Claims Management.
  • The Disaster Recovery Program may provide assistance for uninsurable loss and damage.

Staying informed

Staying informed during emergencies can save your life. Protect yourself and your loved ones by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert app to receive critical, life-saving alerts.

You can also find out more information by contacting your community directly to find out where they post updated information during emergencies.

Before you travel, check Alberta 511 for current road conditions to help you arrive to your destination safely.

Helping others

Check with your community to learn how to help others during severe weather events. If you are concerned for someone’s safety, call:

  • 211 if someone is in distress or in an unsafe place
  • 911 if they’re unconscious or need medical help

Resources and translations

Education material you can read, print and download to share online and within your community. Translated versions are also available in українською (Ukrainian), عربي (Arabic), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese), ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi), Deutsch (High German), Plautdietsch (Low German), Español (Spanish), Français (French) and Tagalog (Tagalog).

Translations

Videos

How can you prepare for a tornado?

Tornadoes are common in Alberta. Find out what steps you can take to protect yourself.

 

How can you prepare for an emergency or disaster without spending a lot of money?

Being prepared doesn't have to be costly. Learn how you can prepare without spending a lot of money.

 

Contact

Connect with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-422-9000
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

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