A tornado is a powerful rotating column extending from a storm cloud to the ground, often appearing as a funnel cloud, they are sometimes accompanied by a debris cloud at the surface. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip vehicles, and create dangerous flying debris.

High risk season for tornadoes in Calgary is from mid-June until early August. While the likelihood of a tornado touching down in Calgary is relatively low, the consequences could be catastrophic.

• Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning:
  • A tornado watch is when conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop. 
  • A tornado warning is when a tornado has been reported or there is evidence a tornado is imminent.
• Signs that a tornado may be approaching, include:
  • A rotating funnel-shaped cloud
  • Approaching cloud of debris
  • Dark sky, sometimes with green or yellow clouds
  • Large hail
  • Loud roar or whistling sound
• Put together an emergency kit with essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, and batteries to get you through the first few days of an emergency.
• Make an emergency action plan for your household so you know what to do and who to contact in an emergency.
• Review your home insurance policy and ask your insurance provider what your policy covers in the event of damage from natural disasters. Secure loose items around your yard or balcony, such as trampolines, barbeques, and furniture.

Stay tuned to emergency alerts and local TV, radio, or websites for timely updates.

If you are indoors

• The safest place is a lower-level area such as a basement. If you don't have a basement, go to a room with as few windows as possible, like an interior bathroom.
• Get under a sturdy piece of furniture, and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Stay away from windows.
• Don’t use elevators.

If you are outdoors

• If possible, try to get indoors as soon as possible.
• If you can't get inside, lie flat in a ditch or sunken ground and cover your head with your hands.
• Avoid standing under trees (as they are subject to lightning strikes).
• Do not take shelter under an overpass or bridge.

If you are in a mobile home

• Seek shelter immediately in the nearest sturdy building.
• Mobile homes offer little protection during tornadoes.

If you are driving or in a vehicle

Don’t try to outrace a tornado. Tornadoes can move quickly and change direction with little to no warning. Instead, drive to the nearest solid structure and take shelter immediately.

If there is no solid structure available for shelter:

• Pull over safely, park your vehicle, and turn on your hazard lights.
• If it’s safe to exit your vehicle, seek shelter in a low lying area like a ditch, away from your vehicle:
  • Lie flat and protect your head and neck from debris.
  • Be alert for rising water in the ditch and be prepared to move.
  • Be aware that you may still be exposed to harmful tornado winds in a ditch.
• If downed power lines are close by (within 10 m) or if they have fallen across your vehicle, don’t attempt to get out of your vehicle without a first responder’s aid.
• Whenever possible, avoid parking near tall objects and power lines
• Don’t park or take shelter under an overpass - wind speeds can intensify and debris can accumulate, making it more dangerous.
• It’s important to assess your surroundings to make the safest possible decision.

• Stay where you are until the tornado has passed and it’s safe to leave.
• Be aware of hazards such as downed power lines, damaged gas lines, and disruptions to water or electricity.
• Inspect any damage that may have occurred to your property, take photos of the damage, and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claims process if necessary.
• Check on your friends, family and neighbours if safe to do so.

• Best Available Refuge Area (BARA)
• Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC)