A tornado is a column of rotating wind, travelling across the land at speeds of 30 to more than 100 kilometers per hour (20 to 65 M.P.H.). Tornadoes can occur at any time. Most often they occur in late afternoon, in late spring or early summer. They are most frequent during moderate summer temperatures, accompanied by high relative humidity.

A severe thunderstorm or tornado watch is issued if conditions exist for tornadoes to develop. No tornado has been sighted.

A tornado warning is issued if one has been sighted, or if radar detects a tornado-like disturbance.

• If you are in the open, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If none is available, be prepared to lie flat in a depression or ditch, and hang onto something on the ground... a culvert, large rock, shrub, etc.
• If you are in an automobile, get away from the vehicle, and seek the shelter described above. You are safer in a ditch than in your car.
• If you are in a public facility (school, work, mall), go to an interior hallway on the lowest level. Avoid large rooms and stay away from windows. Determine who is in charge of the facility, and follow their instructions. Your calm, orderly behaviour will set an example for others, and help avert panic.
• If you are in a home, head for the basement. Seek shelter under a staircase or sturdy furniture. If you have no basement, go to a bathroom or closet on the lowest floor, or seek shelter under sturdy furniture.
• If you are in a mobile home, go immediately to a more substantial shelter.