The pattern of tornadoes in Canada is very similar
to here in the United States. The
central plains region in the US is nicknamed “Tornado Alley”, specifically from
North Dakota to Kansas. Manitoba and Saskatchewan
lie directly above this region, and experience many tornadoes each year. Saskatchewan can experience up to 18 tornadoes
per year. The most devastating tornado
in the history of Canada occurred in 1912, in Regina, Saskatchewan. It caused 28 deaths, hundreds of injuries,
and over 400 buildings destroyed.
Canada is vulnerable to many types of extreme
weather. Each year Canada is hit with
blizzards, ice storms, hurricanes, heat waves and tropical storms. Environment Canada is the agency responsible
for issuing weather alerts. Environment Canada is responsible for warning the
public when conditions exist that may produce tornadoes or other extreme
weather. Using radio, television, newspapers, its internet site, and weather
phone lines, Environment Canada provides information regarding at risk area and
evacuation locations. There
is also a program called “Weather Watchers,” a group of volunteer weather enthusiasts
who monitor the skies for any extreme weather on the horizon. Environment Canada employs 31 weather satellites,
which cover areas prone to thunderstorms and severe weather conditions, as well
as where 98% of the population is located. Most regions of Canada advise to seek the
shelter of a sturdy desk in the event of a tornado. Half of the deaths from tornadoes occur from
mobile homes being hit, due to the lack of foundation. Exiting the mobile home and finding shelter
in a ditch away from any possible debris.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/top-10-deadliest-tornadoes-in-canadian-history-1.1267514
Very complete entry this week! I never thought about tornadoes in Canada, I guess I normally teach just the States. I was glad to see the map you posted and how it hugs the lower latitude..
ReplyDeleteNice job, David. I would never have thought about Canada having as many hazards. One thing is certainly clear, they are very pro-active about disaster warnings.It was also new knowledge to me about Saskatchewan and Manitoba lying just above "Tornado Alley".
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