Expired News - 'Big one' tornado targets Ontario, our expert explains when - The Weather Network
Your weather when it really mattersTM

Country

Please choose your default site

Americas

Asia - Pacific

Europe

News
Fatal tornadoes have happened in Ontario before and could happen again so being prepared is key

'Big one' tornado targets Ontario, our expert explains when


Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 10:45 AM - A generation has grown up with very little exposure to deadly tornadoes in southern and central Ontario, but it shouldn't deter anyone from being prepared for the next 'big one' when it arrives.

In a weather preparedness seminar in Hamilton, Ont., Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson reminded the audience of the history of severe weather in Ontario and warned that awareness of the next 'big one' in southern Ontario remains paramount to limiting its destructiveness.

"On May 31, 1985 there were 13 tornadoes across southwest and south-central Ontario, two of those events were rated as F4 events," Coulson said. "We have not seen the like in terms of an event that intense since that time and we feel that we are, in fact, overdue for a tornado of that intensity in Ontario.

"We're using this group as a way to spread the word from here," Coulson added. "We're having key decision-makers in the crowd… and they'll pass the word along."


DON'T MISS:  The SIX ingredients that lead to tornado outbreaks, in order


The comments quickly spread through social media with many referencing that a due to the number of years since the 1985 outbreak that saw 13 tornadoes tear through central and southern Ontario, the worst of which being two F4s that killed eight people in the region surrounding Barrie, Ont., Canadians should pay close attention to the upcoming season. However, The Weather Network's Chief Meteorologist Chris Scott says not so fast.

"Weather events, particularly individual damaging storms such as tornadoes, don't occur at a predictable frequency," Scott said. "It doesn't matter that it's been 30 years since the last violent tornado—the atmosphere doesn't 'build-up' energy like in the case of plate tectonics where an earthquake may be more likely if there hasn't been a big one in a few hundred years."

An additional challenge when it comes to predicting tornadoes has to do with the many elements that need to come together for one to happen.

"Everything has to happen just right, from the overall jet stream pattern, to the localized wind flow to produce a violent tornado," Scott said. "Why they do or don't in a given scenario is part of the natural variability of weather."

But Scott says that the point Environment Canada and The Weather Network try to make is that a violent tornado will in fact hit southern Ontario in the future. The timing of such an event is the main question.

"There is no way to say whether that will be this year, or 10 years from now," Scott said. "[Ontario is] in a tornado prone part of North America. The ingredients for violent tornadoes are rare, but they have happened in the past and will happen in the future."

But when it comes to tornadoes, the main take-home message is being informed.

"The key is to be aware of the weather situation - if we are predicting severe thunderstorms, it's a cue to stay tuned to the forecast," Scott said. "If violent tornadoes are possible, we'll have a reasonable idea the day before, and once storms form we'll be able to target where they're going."

Tornadoes in Canada: what you need to know

Generally speaking, when you mention tornadoes in Canada, we don’t get a clear cut image of where the tornado-prone zones are in our vast country.

On average, Canada gets 62 verified tornadoes per year. Saskatchewan has the highest per province with about 18 tornadoes, followed by Alberta with an average of 15 tornadoes then Ontario with an average of 12-13 tornadoes each year.

Tornadoes: Fact or Fiction

FICTION: Objects such as rivers, lakes or mountains can protect certain areas from tornadoes.

FACT: No geographical location is safe from tornadoes. Though there are areas more prone to tornadoes, they can occur almost anywhere.

FICTION: Opening up windows before a tornado approaches will equalize the pressure in your structure minimizing the damage.

FACT: Opening the windows can actually make your house more vulnerable during a tornado. Do not take the time to open windows but seek shelter immediately. Underground, basement or interior room will be the safest places with as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible (preferably windowless).

FICTION: Sheltering under a highway overpass will keep you safe from tornadoes.

FACT: Overpasses are particularly dangerous during tornadoes as debris can get caught in the area and wind speeds increase through the narrow openings. In you are in your vehicle when a tornado approaches, as a last resort, you can stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and your head down. If you see a noticeably lower area in terrain, get out of your vehicle and lie flat in that area with your arms protecting your head.

With files from Dayna Vettese

Source: CBC


MUST-SEE: Just how strong are tornado winds? Watch this video to find out


Default saved
Close

Search Location

Close

Sign In

Please sign in to use this feature.