On average, there are about 80 tornadoes reported annually across Canada. A recent model done by Environment Canada determined, however, that the number is likely closer to 230 annually.
The dramatic increase in the number of tornadoes is due to Canada’s immense size: there are large, unpopulated areas that might be affected by tornadoes, but because no one is there to witness them, they go unreported.
On average the Prairies get 43 tornadoes annually; 17 occur annually in Ontario and Quebec. A corridor that runs from Windsor through London to Barrie is known as Ontario’s “tornado alley.” Another “tornado alley” is in the Prairies from southern Alberta to Manitoba.
The Enhanced Fujita scale is used to measure the intensity of tornadoes. The scale ranges from an EF0, with winds beginning at 105 km/h, to and EF5, with winds of over 323 km/h.
Canada has only ever experienced one F5 tornado (this was before the Enhanced Fujita scale was implemented in 2013) which occurred in Elie, Manitoba on June 30, 2007. Miraculously, no one was injured or killed in the event.
It’s interesting to note that there is no correlation between the size of a tornado and its strength. A fat “wedge” tornado might be only an EF2, whereas a thin “rope” tornado might have winds found in an EF4 tornado. But it’s important to remember that every tornado is potentially a deadly one.
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