Ontario at risk for increased tornado activity this summer

According to a study by property restoration experts at First Onsite, Ontario is severely at risk for increased weather disturbances such as thunderstorms, intense hail and tornadoes.

Information provided by the organization indicates that due to the prevalence of heat domes developing in the United States, a massive influx of severe weather patterns has been moving across the country at a n increased rate. 

First Onsite representatives also noted that in southern Ontario specifically, the average lightning season runs from early spring to late fall. However — due to fluctuating weather conditions from south of the border — the intensity of lighting storms will likely increase throughout the summer. 

“Canada is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather and summer storms and is the world’s second most tornado-hit nation after the United States. Businesses, homeowners and property managers should not underestimate the power of the wind and water threat when storm warnings are issued,” said Jim Mandeville, senior VP of First Onsite Property Restoration.

Additional information provided by First Onsite also indicates that:

• 60 per cent of Canadians fear the impact of severe rains and flooding
• 50 per cent of Canadians are concerned about tornadoes and severe storms.
• 23 per cent of surveyed Canadians are concerned about landslides/mudslides
• 28 percent are worried about hurricanes or tropical storms
• 73 per cent of surveyed individuals are concerned about climate change-related weather impacting Canadian households. 

As a result of these national anxieties, representatives within First Onsite were quick to note that any households that are at risk of being impacted, should look into preparative measures to ensure household safety, with Mandeville further stating in an official release that “It is important to be aware of how to deal with severe weather threats so you can be better prepared for keeping your property safe and the people inside the buildings even safer.”