On July 1, 2023, a massive twister hit between Didsbury and Carstairs, which are located about 82 kilometres north of Calgary. Dubbed the Mountain View County tornado, it was rated as an EF-4, very close to the highest end of the enhanced Fujita scale, which tops out at EF-5.
Tornadoes were first measured by the Fujita rating in Canada in the 1980s, and only 21 have been rated as severe. Out of the 100 to 120 twisters Canada sees every year, a rating as high as Mountain View County’s is very rare.
May through September is tornado and hail season in Alberta, with mid-June to early August being peak season. In order to form, tornadoes require warm, moist air near the ground, cooler dry air above, a fast and sharp change of wind direction, and atmospheric instability. These conditions allow for rotating thunderstorms, or supercells, to develop and potentially create tornadoes.
While forecasts and warnings have improved, tornadoes can still develop rapidly with little notice, sometimes forming in minutes after a severe thunderstorm. Conditions can shift quickly from calm to destructive, making tornadoes particularly dangerous.
Tornadoes happen most often in Alberta’s foothills and throughout the central and south regions. According to the Government of Canada, an average of 43 tornadoes touch down in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba every year. The most powerful tornado measured by the Fujita scale happened on June 30, 2007, in Elie, Manitoba, and was registered as an F-5 with wind speeds of up to 512 km/hr.
Staying alert to changing skies, sudden wind shifts, and weather forecasts is essential for protecting your family and your property when storms threaten.
Know the signs of an incoming tornado
Most tornadoes develop in the late afternoon or early evening. They do not all have a funnel cloud and can be hard to see from far away, so it’s important that residents in tornado-prone areas pay close attention to weather alerts. Tornadoes can also appear to be standing still, when in fact they are moving very quickly, and usually appear from the south or west. They are often accompanied by large hail, which is another reason why it’s very important to take cover during a hailstorm.
Weather conditions that may signal a tornado is coming include:
- A dark, greenish sky
- Large hail with little rain
- An approaching cloud of debris
- Visible cloud rotation
- A rumbling or whistling sound
- Thunder, lightning, and strong winds
The first step to protecting your family and property from a tornado is to ensure everyone knows where to take shelter at home, work, or school. Move away from windows and go to the lowest, most central area of the building, ideally a basement or cellar. If not available, interior bathrooms with no windows are another good option.
Always keep a 72-hour emergency kit accessible with water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid supplies, changes of clothes including footwear, identification, cash, and any required medications.
Around your property, bring in moveable items such as patio furniture and garbage bins if there’s enough time. Keep heavy items that could become airborne secured at all times. If possible, move your vehicles to a covered area.
Precautions before and after a tornado or windstorm
If you are in a tornado-prone area, consider installing impact-resistant shutters for windows and doors if possible. If it’s time for a roof upgrade, use a waterproof underlay and consider Class 4 impact-resistant materials. They may even earn you a discount on your home insurance rates.
After a tornado or windstorm, prioritize safety when returning home. Avoid turning on electrical systems until they’ve been inspected. If you smell gas, leave immediately and contact emergency services. Assess damage carefully to determine whether cleanup is safe or if professionals are needed.
Take steps to prevent further damage, especially in basements, by moving valuables. If driving, watch for hazards like downed power lines, debris, or damaged roads, and follow all instructions from local authorities. Document all damage with photos and provide receipts when possible.
Know what’s covered
Estimated insured losses from the Mountain View County tornado were measured as part of the August 2025 Prairie storms by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, which caused roughly $235 million in insured damage across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, including tornado impacts.
If your property is damaged, contact your insurance broker or representative promptly. Most home insurance policies cover wind and tornado damage, including losses from flying debris, fallen trees, and water entering through storm-created openings. If your home becomes uninhabitable due to insured damage, you may be eligible for additional living expenses.
Vehicle damage from wind, hail, or water is typically covered if you have comprehensive or all-perils auto insurance coverage, which is common for policy holders. Coverage for mobile homes or trailers can vary, so reviewing your policy with an experienced insurance broker such as those of us at Lane’s is important.
Trust Lane’s for all your Alberta insurance needs
If you have questions about your home insurance coverage, the best place to turn is an insurance broker. Those of us at Lane’s Insurance are your partners in the insurance business. We are able to assess your home insurance needs on a broader scale than any single provider can, and always ensure our clients have a good understanding of what they are purchasing.
We serve homeowners and residents throughout Alberta. Contact us at:
- Our Calgary office
- Our Edmonton office
- Our Banff office
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