December 2023

Canada is the world’s second most tornado-prone nation after the United States. Every year during tornado season, Canada experiences 80 to 100 tornadoes from March through October.

Storms can produce severe winds, even tornadoes under the right circumstances. Condominium managers, boards and residents underestimate the potential for damage when wind starts to blow.

Advance preparation is crucial. During any high-wind storm, unsecured items can become deadly projectiles. Secure all loose outdoor objects including lawn furniture, garbage bins, potted plants, bikes and toys. Umbrellas on balconies are particularly dangerous and are often disallowed although some communities fail to enforce this. They can easily blow off during a windstorm, taking other items with them, causing injury and property damage.

The deadly storm that devastated Southern Ontario in May 2022 arrived with only minutes of warning prior to tornado-grade winds. Its aftermath included 10 people dead, massive damage and destruction to buildings. An August 2021 tornado in Barrie left a five-kilometre-long path of destruction and $75 million in damage. Wind speeds that reached 210 km per hour wreaked havoc on over 150 homes and displaced families. After the tornado, 60 homes were deemed “unsafe to enter”.

“While high-rise buildings can be designed to withstand intense windstorms, little can be done to protect a building from the direct impact of a tornado” explains Lee Hopwood of RespondPlus Restoration Services. “When damage occurs to the structure or glass, it allows water to enter and cause further damage. Shards of falling glass in the surrounding area is a hazard. Wood structures are less resilient and more likely to incur substantial structural damage, including displacement of roof structures and structural collapse.”

Windstorms and tornadoes frequently down trees and cause power outages. Power surges occur when electricity is restored causing voltage spikes that damage electronics. Surge protectors protect electronic equipment when the power returns after a power failure.

Thunderstorms and high-wind storms, which have the potential to develop into tornadoes with little warning, are expected to increase in frequency and intensity. Management can expand on their planning and response plans for severe weather events to include damage from strong winds.

Restoration service companies get busy after any windstorm or tornado dealing with its aftermath. Knowing who to call, in advance of such a calamity, is part of emergency planning.

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