Hazards in Manitoba

Tornadoes


Understanding a tornado

Tornadoes form during severe thunderstorms when warm, moist air rises and meets cool, dry air. This creates strong updrafts and downdrafts that spin horizontally. If the wind changes direction and speed, it can make the spinning air tilt vertically, forming a tornado. Tornadoes are most common in Manitoba between May and September.


While tornadoes are often associated with certain regions, they can strike unexpectedly, making preparedness essential for everyone. While vulnerable areas such as homes with weak structures (mobile homes, areas with a lot of trees and debris) are at higher risk, tornadoes can strike anywhere.

Risk awareness:

  • Maintain awareness by monitoring information shared by your local authority.
  • Stay informed about weather conditions by monitoring local news and weather forecasts.
  • Be cautious during severe thunderstorms.

Planning and education:

  • Consider adding the following items to your Emergency Go Kits and/or Home Emergency Supplies: a whistle in case you get trapped beneath debris or heavy-duty gloves and hard-soled shoes for navigating through debris.
  • Develop and practice your family emergency plan.
  • Make sure you know your local authority's evacuation routes and procedures.
  • Have a plan for evacuating pets and livestock.
  • In Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issues tornado watches and warnings to alert people about tornado-related weather conditions:
    • Tornado Watch: Indicates favorable conditions for tornado development. No immediate action needed but stay informed.
    • Tornado Warning: Indicates imminent or occurring severe weather. Seek shelter immediately. Warnings are issued minutes before a tornado hits. Safety is top priority during a warning.

Property Protection Strategies:

  • Check with your insurance company for tornado related coverage.
  • Install exterior doors with three hinges and a deadbolt lock.
  • Secure or move sheds, patio furniture, toys, and grills indoors when not in use.

Warning signs:

  • Severe thunderstorms with frequent thunder and lightning.
  • An extremely dark sky, sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds.
  • A rumbling or whistling sound.
  • A funnel cloud at the base of a storm cloud. They are often behind heavy rain or hail.

Review the Natural Disaster Preparation Residential Checklist for more tips on how to protect your home.


Tornadoes in Canada

While tornadoes are rare in Canada, they do occur. In 2023, there were 60 confirmed tornadoes across the country, with the majority occurring in the prairies. Manitoba stands out as one of the most tornado-prone provinces, with an average of 8 to 14 tornadoes per season.


When a tornado approaches, quick and informed action is essential. Whether at home, on a farm, or in larger structures, identifying the safest shelters and location-specific safety measures is critical.

Stay Informed:

  • Listen to local radio, television, or other official news sources.
  • Pay close attention to updates and warnings from officials.

Be ready to evacuate:

Health and Safety:

  • If you are taking shelter at home, stay away from windows, exterior walls, and doors. This will minimize exposure to potential hazards. Retreat to your basement or a small, interior room on the first floor such as a bathroom, hallway, or closet.
  • Ensure the safety of your pets and any livestock by bringing them into a shelter in advance.
  • Avoid using elevators during tornado warnings.
  • If you are driving, drive to the nearest safe shelter, and leave the vehicle if necessary.
  • If proximity is a problem, get out of the vehicle and take cover in a lower area, such as a ditch.
  • Stay close to the ground, keep your head covered, and be aware of airborne debris that may endanger your safety.

Historical Tornadoes in Manitoba

On June 22, 2007, a significant tornado struck the town of Elie, Manitoba. This tornado is considered one of the strongest tornadoes in Canadian history. It was rated an F5 on the Fujita scale, indicating extreme intensity. It had the fastest wind speed ever recorded on Earth (510 km/h)!


After a tornado, exercise caution. The aftermath can present unexpected hazards.

Stay Alert:

  • Stay calm and watch for road hazards, such as debris, downed trees, or downed power lines.
  • Wait for official authorization before re-entering affected areas.

Property evaluation:

  • Work with local authorities and professionals to evaluate the safety of your home.
  • Re-enter with caution and be aware of potential hazards, such as structural damage (cracks on walls), exposed wires, or gas leaks.

Future preparation:

Recovery and financial assistance:

  • Check with your insurance provider first. Coverage is widely available.
  • Evaluate your property damage carefully. Document damage with photographs.
  • Review the Financial Assistance section of this website to see if you are eligible.
  • Continue to follow the instructions of local authorities.

Additional Resources