Tornadoes and extreme wind in Ottawa: What homeowners need to know

Extreme weather is nothing new in Ottawa. But in recent years, it’s become harder to ignore. Powerful windstorms and a string of tornadoes have shown just how quickly conditions can shift—and how costly the damage can be. The good news: preparation goes a long way. 

“Anytime we’re dealing with hot, dry weather that suddenly shifts to something cooler, we can see storm fronts develop and bring extreme weather events in Ottawa,” says Kris Haarbosh, emergency management coordinator with the City of Ottawa. 

Understanding what these events are—and how they differ—is the first step toward staying safe. 

What counts as extreme wind? 

Extreme wind isn’t just a strong gust on a stormy day. 

It typically refers to any wind event severe enough to threaten property, disrupt infrastructure or trigger a warning from Environment and Climate Change Canada. These events can happen at any time of year, says Haarbosh. 

From a preparedness standpoint, that unpredictability matters. 

“We’re always looking at anything that could develop into an extreme wind event because we know it can happen year-round,” says Haarbosh. 

High winds are often accompanied by power outages, fallen trees and flying debris—hazards that can escalate quickly if you’re not ready. 

Why tornadoes are a growing risk 

Ottawa has become more familiar with tornadoes in recent years—and not by chance. 

“It feels like we’ve had an unlucky stretch over the last eight to 10 years,” says Haarbosh, pointing to the 2018 tornado that struck Dunrobin and a series of six tornadoes in 2023, including one that damaged homes in Barrhaven.  

According to the Government of Canada, a tornado is a violently rotating column of extremely high winds associated with severe thunderstorms, often accompanied by heavy rain or hail. In Canada, they generally occur between May and August. 

Their impact can be devastating. The 2018 event alone damaged roughly 2,000 homes, forcing many residents to evacuate and rebuild. 

How to prepare for tornadoes and extreme winds 

Preparation starts with knowing what you’re preparing for. 

While high winds and tornadoes share similarities, their impacts—and the response required—can be very different. 

“Successful preparation comes down to understanding the risks in your area, learning from past events and having a clear emergency and evacuation plan,” says Haarbosh. 

For Ottawa residents, that signals the need for creating an emergency plan for whether you should stay or leave your home, assembling an emergency kit - especially for extended power outages, and finally, identifying a meeting place in case family members are separated. 

Power outages are common during high-wind events, sometimes lasting days or even weeks. Planning ahead can make those disruptions far more manageable. 

“We’ve seen very different impacts across Ottawa,” says Haarbosh. “A tornado can tear the roof off a home and force an evacuation. Or you could be dealing with a power outage that lasts 10 days to two weeks—making an emergency kit and supplies essential.”  

This kind of planning helps residents prepare for both immediate damage and longer-term disruptions. 

How to stay informed 

When severe weather hits, timely information is critical. 

The City of Ottawa relies on tools like the WeatherCan app for up-to-date alerts from Environment and Climate Change Canada, says Haarbosh.  

He adds that residents can also sign up for Ottawa Alert, a local system that consolidates emergency notifications. 

Together, these tools help ensure you’re not caught off guard when conditions change quickly. 

Why community matters during extreme weather 

Preparation doesn’t stop at your front door. In many emergencies, help may come first from the people closest to you. 

“Often, the first person who can assist is your neighbour,” says Haarbosh. “We encourage a ‘neighbours helping neighbours’ approach—checking in on one another, especially when the power is out.” 

Community support can play a critical role, especially during large-scale events when emergency services are stretched across the city. 

By sharing information, checking in on vulnerable residents and working together, neighbourhoods can recover faster—and become more resilient over time. 

Extreme weather may be unpredictable, but preparation doesn’t have to be. 

As Ottawa continues to experience more frequent and intense storms, the difference between disruption and disaster often comes down to readiness—and the strength of the community around you.