Tornadoes

A tornado is a powerful rotating column of wind that can hurt people and damage property. Very large thunderstorms can create many tornadoes. Tornadoes can appear after heavy rain or hail in a sky that looks green, yellow or black.

Essex County has experienced tornados and they can strike anywhere between May and September. Environment Canada issues warnings when tornadoes are imminent or already detected and the Ontario government assists in distributing these alerts to the public.

Tornado safety

Always be aware of weather conditions and warnings. Seek shelter immediately if a warning has been issued.

When indoors

The safest place to be is an underground shelter, basement or safe room.
If there is no basement in the home, go to the centre of an interior room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.
Get under a sturdy piece of furniture — use arms to shield the head and neck.
Do not open windows.

When outdoors

Do not wait until the tornado is visible to get inside.
If stuck outdoors with no nearby shelter, lie flat in a ditch ensuring heads are covered.
Do not go under an overpass or bridge – a low, flat area is safest.
Note: mobile homes do not offer much protection from tornadoes – go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately.