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Editorial: Being tornado prepared

High risk season for tornadoes in Calgary area is from mid-June until early August.
mvt-tornado-didsbury-area-canada-day-2023
Picture of the tornado that swept through a part of Mountain View County between Carstairs and Didsbury during the afternoon of July 1, 2023, causing damage to a few homes but without any injuries.

High risk season for tornadoes in Calgary (region) is from mid-June until early August and are most likely in the late afternoon or evening. If you see a tornado approaching, you have a short window to make decisions.

The likelihood of a tornado touching down in Calgary (and region) is relatively low and the risk trend remains stable, but the consequences could be catastrophic. The most recent experience of a tornado in Calgary was a tornado warning that was issued in 2015. Our Disaster Risk Explorer has information about the risk of disasters in Calgary and what the City is doing to prepare for it.

An approaching cloud of debris can indicate a tornado, even if you cannot see a funnel. The wind may die and the air can be quite still before a tornado.Tornadoes can occur anywhere in Calgary (area) and generally last less than one hour (seconds to minutes is the most likely).

  • Take shelter in the basement or lowest level of your home or building immediately:
    • Find a small interior room with no windows, like a closet or under the stairs, and stay near the wall under a sturdy piece of furniture.
    • Put as many walls as possible between yourself and the outside for protection.
  • If you are instructed to evacuate, bring your 72-hour emergency kit and emergency contact list to the reception centre or shelter.
  • If you are outside and can't get indoors, find a low-lying area like a ditch. Cover your head with your hands and avoid overpasses or bridges.
  • Be aware of debris and flying objects.
  • Avoid buildings with large-span roofs such as shopping malls and auditoriums.
  • If you are in a car, do not try to outrun a tornado. Leave your vehicle immediately and find an indoor shelter or low-lying area like a ditch.
  • If you are in a mobile home, leave immediately as they offer little protection from tornadoes. Get to the lowest point inside the closest safe, sturdy building.
  • If you are in an building where a Best Available Refuge Area (BARA) has been identified, take shelter in the designated area.
  • Download the How to stay safe during a tornado checklist
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