Purpose

This page provides general tornado preparedness awareness for households in tornado-prone regions.

Scope and Limits

This information supports risk recognition and shelter decision-making only.

It does not provide rescue guidance, medical care, structural reinforcement, or vehicle maneuvering instructions.

Authority Override

Official instructions from local, provincial, federal, or weather authorities override this page at all times.

If a tornado warning is issued, follow authority guidance immediately.

FAST FACTS THAT AFFECT LIFE SAFETY

• Tornadoes can form rapidly from severe thunderstorms, sometimes with little warning.

• Wind speeds in strong tornadoes can exceed 300 mph, causing extreme structural damage.

• Most tornado fatalities occur in mobile homes, vehicles, or buildings without adequate shelter.

• Tornadoes frequently occur at night, when visibility and reaction time are reduced.

(Sources: Environment and Climate Change Canada; NOAA/NWS)

WHY TORNADOES ARE SO DANGEROUS

Unpredictable movement

Tornadoes can change direction suddenly or form multiple funnels.

Flying debris

Most learned injuries and fatalities are caused by airborne debris, not wind alone.

Short warning times

Some tornadoes provide only minutes of warning before impact.

Widespread infrastructure damage

Downed power lines, debris-blocked roads, and damaged buildings can delay emergency response.

Nighttime risk

Many tornadoes strike after dark, when alerts may be missed without warning systems.

AREAS AT INCREASED RISK

• Central and southeastern United States (including traditional “Tornado Alley”)

• Southern Ontario, southern Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta

• Any region experiencing severe thunderstorms, even outside typical tornado zones

Tornado risk is not limited to named regions.

UNDERSTANDING TORNADO ALERTS

Tornado Watch

• Conditions are favorable for tornadoes.

• Be alert and prepared to shelter.

Tornado Warning

• A tornado has been observed or detected by radar.

• Take shelter immediately.

WHAT NOT TO DO

This section is the priority.

Do not remain in mobile homes

• Mobile and manufactured homes offer little protection and are a leading cause of tornado fatalities.

Do not shelter in vehicles

• Cars and trucks are easily overturned or lifted by tornado winds.

Do not shelter under highway overpasses

• Wind speeds can increase under overpasses, increasing injury risk.

Do not stay near windows or large open rooms

• Flying glass and debris cause serious injuries.

Do not delay shelter to look outside

• Visual confirmation wastes critical seconds.

Do not assume you are safe because the storm sounds calm

• Tornadoes may be wrapped in rain or strike suddenly.

WHERE TO TAKE SHELTER (HIGH-LEVEL GUIDANCE)

Safest options include:

• Basements or underground shelters

• Small interior rooms on the lowest floor, away from windows

• Purpose-built storm shelters or reinforced community safe rooms

This page does not provide construction, retrofitting, or shelter-building instructions.

SPECIAL NOTE — VEHICLES AND TORNADOES

Primary rule

• Do not attempt to outrun a tornado.

If no safe shelter is immediately accessible:

• Leaving a vehicle increases risk unless a clearly safer option is immediately available.

Follow local emergency guidance whenever possible.

This page does not provide driving or movement tactics during tornadoes.

FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD SAFETY PLANNING

• Identify your safest shelter location in advance

• Practice shelter drills during tornado season

• Ensure children know where to go if adults are not present

• Keep pets included in shelter plans

• Use official alert systems to receive warnings day and night

GOVERNMENT TORNADO SAFETY RESOURCES

Canada

Severe weather and tornado safety

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/seasonal-weather-hazards/tornadoes.html

Get Prepared — Severe storms

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared.html

Alert Ready — National emergency alerts

https://www.alertready.ca/

United States

Ready.gov — Tornadoes

https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes

NOAA / National Weather Service — Tornado safety

https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado

Storm Prediction Center — Tornado information

https://www.spc.noaa.gov/

Last Reviewed

February 2026

Sources checked:

Environment and Climate Change Canada, Public Safety Canada, NOAA National Weather Service, Ready.gov.