Tornadoes touched down in Ottawa and Quebec. Here's what to do during an alert

CBC News | Posted: July 13, 2023 8:58 PM | Last Updated: July 13, 2023

5 safety tips to keep in mind the next time a twister hits

Image | ottawa tornado july 2023

Caption: A funnel cloud appears in the Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven on Thursday. (The Canadian Press)

People in Montreal and areas near the city were subject to a tornado warning on Thursday afternoon, and twisters actually touched down in Mirabel, Que., and the Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven.

Here's some advice to keep in mind the next time there's a twister in the forecast, compiled from sources that include Environment Canada, the Canadian Red Cross and the Quebec government.

1. Know your alert

Environment Canada issues both tornado watches and warnings.

A watch is issued when there's a storm approaching with conditions that could produce a tornado.

A warning goes out either when a tornado sighting has been reported, or when there's sufficient evidence to suggest a tornado is on the way.

Canada's mobile phone emergency alert system is designed to warn customers when a tornado is a possibility.

2. Know where to go

The basement.

If that's not possible, run to a ground-floor room as close as possible to the centre of your home. Bathrooms, closets, hallways or under door arches are best.

If that's not possible, get under a heavy table or desk.

WATCH | Massive storm blasts into Mirabel, Que.:

Media Video | CBC News Montreal : Severe storm hits Mirabel, Que.

Caption: This video, posted to Facebook by Olivier Nadeau, shows the severe storm as it approaches Mirabel, Que., Thursday afternoon. Environment and Climate Change Canada told Radio-Canada a tornado touched down in the area during the storm.

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If you're at work or in an apartment, don't use the elevators.

Wherever you are, try to stay away from windows, outside walls and doors that lead outside.

3. Know where not to go

Avoid cars and mobile homes, or any structure that's not solidly anchored to the ground.

Image | Tornado warning Montreal

Caption: Environment and Climate Change Canada advises the public to take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. (Verity Stevenson/CBC)

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Buildings with high ceilings, such as churches, gyms and barns, are best avoided because of the risk the roof could collapse.

If you can't get to solid shelter, lie in a ditch — but watch out for flooding.

4. Plan ahead

Have an emergency plan, including phone numbers of various emergency services.

Set up a post-storm meeting point with your loved ones if you're going to be in different places.

5. Don't take photos

It may be tempting, but don't try to take photos or videos of severe weather. If you have a clear view of a tornado, you're not in a very safe place.

Wait for the storm to pass and listen for advice from authorities afterward.

WATCH | Barrhaven resident compares tornado's arrival to being in a warzone:

Media Video | CBC News Ottawa : 'Like a bomb going off': He likens the Barrhaven tornado to a warzone

Caption: Steve Hillier was visiting friends in Barrhaven when it started to get dark and stormy. What happened next, he said, was "horrifying."

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