Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes
Get severe thunderstorm and tornado alerts
- use our Weather Information map to track storms near you
- download the WeatherCAN app and turn on alert notifications
- find the Thunderstorm Outlook for your area
About severe thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can create very strong winds, hail, heavy rain, and sometimes even tornadoes. Lightning is the most common danger associated with thunderstorms. As soon as you see lightning or hear thunder, you should find shelter inside a building or vehicle with the windows closed.
Protect yourself from severe thunderstorms:
- stay safe before, during, and after thunderstorms
- consult our Impact Guides to know what to expect when you receive severe thunderstorm or related-weather alerts
About tornadoes
Tornadoes can produce some of the highest wind speeds on the planet. Most Canadian tornadoes have maximum wind speeds under 180 km/h, but they can still cause serious damage.
When a tornado threatens, take shelter immediately, preferably in the lower level of a sturdy building.
All tornado events are rated using the Enhanced Fujita scale for wind damage.
Protect yourself from tornadoes:
- stay safe before, during, and after a tornado
- read about the potential impacts of a tornado
Thunderstorm Outlooks
Thunderstorm Outlooks give you an early heads-up when a thunderstorm is likely to develop—up to 36 hours in advance. We update Outlooks daily. Make sure to look for the time we issue the Outlook and the period it covers. The publication date and time show when we produced the map. All times on the map are local times.
A Thunderstorm Outlook is not an alert. It does not guarantee that a storm will develop, it only shows that the conditions are favourable. However, even if there is no Outlook for your area, it doesn’t guarantee no storms—thunderstorms can develop quickly!
Outlooks help you plan ahead, but no matter the forecast, always keep an eye (or ear) out for weather alerts!
Find the Thunderstorm Outlook for your area.
Related links
- Visit our Weather Information map for forecasts and alerts in Canada
- Learn how to use the Weather Information map
- Learn about Colour-coded weather alerts
- Discover our Weather Impact Guides
- See more about Lightning Safety
- Get Prepared for weather related hazard
- Read our Weather and meteorology glossary