This page lists
tornadoes and
tornado outbreaks which have touched down in
Canada prior to the
21st century. On average, there are around 80 confirmed and unconfirmed tornadoes that touch down in Canada each year, with most occurring in the southern
Canadian Prairies,
Southern Ontario and southern
Quebec. Canada ranks as the country with the second most tornadoes per year, after the US. The most common types are F0 to F2 in damage intensity level and usually result in minor structural damage to barns, wood fences,
roof shingles, chimneys, uprooted or snapped tree limbs and downed power lines. Fewer than 5% of tornadoes in Canada are rated F3 or higher in intensity, where wind speeds are in excess of 225 km/h (140 mph). Prior to April 1, 2013, Canada used a slightly modified
Fujita scale, and as of that date the
Enhanced Fujita scale, again slightly modified, was put into use to rate tornado intensity, based on the damage to buildings and vegetation.[1]
Each year on average, about 43 tornadoes occur across the
Canadian Prairies and about 17 occur across
Ontario and
Quebec.[2]New Brunswick and the
British Columbia Interior are also recognized tornado zones. All other
provinces and territories have significantly less threat from tornadoes. The peak season in Canada is through the summer months, (June to August), when clashing air masses move north, as opposed to the spring season in the United States southern-central plains, although tornadoes in Canada have occurred in spring, fall and very rarely winter.
The reported increase in numbers of tornadoes in recent years may reflect more reporting by citizens and media involvement rather than an actual increase in tornado occurrence (although some natural increase has not been ruled out), in addition to better detection technology i.e.
Dopplerweather radar and
satellite imagery. The upswing could also be attributed to other factors, such as improved aerial and ground damage assessment after the fact in sparsely populated areas (particularly the case in remote parts of the Canadian Prairies and
Northern Ontario, for example), better trained spotter capabilities and increased use of digital recording devices by citizens. Tornadoes in Canada are enough of a threat for a
public warning system to be in place, overseen by the national weather agency,
Environment Canada (EC).
For a variety of reasons, such as Canada's lower population density and generally stronger housing construction due to the colder climate, Canadian tornadoes have historically caused fewer fatalities than tornadoes in the United States. The deadliest tornado in Canadian history, the
Regina Cyclone of June 30, 1912, killed 28 and injured 300. Urban centres are not immune from the threat of severe tornadoes. Twelve medium to large size Canadian cities have been hit by significant strength tornadoes (F3 or higher), which caused large-scale damage and fatalities:
Toronto (1868);
Regina (1912);
Windsor (1946 and 1974);
Sarnia (1953);
LaSalle (1956);
Sudbury (1970);
Woodstock (1979);
Lloydminster (1983);
Barrie (1985);
Edmonton (1987);
Aylmer (1994); and
Ottawa-Gatineau (1888 and 2018).
June 30 or July 1 - the first recorded tornado in Canadian history, an F2, affected the
Niagara Peninsula between
Fonthill and
Port Robinson, Ontario. It levelled houses and uprooted many trees. The tornado cut a path of trees in a west to east line from both communities that became known as "Hurricane Road", which still exists today.[3][4][5]
June 27 - an unrated tornado struck
Eastern Ontario in the area of
Drummond Centre, Ontario. The tornado destroyed barns and houses, carrying some far distances. An unroofed brick house was carried off its foundation. A strong stone house was partly destroyed. Trees on the third and fourth concession of Drummond Township were uprooted and damaged.[9]
1829
Late May - an F0 tornado struck and destroyed the early settlement of
Guelph, Ontario. Development on the settlement was slow to begin afterwards with some recalling little progress in the next three years following the tornado.[5][10][11][12]
1831
June 26 - an unrated tornado struck
Montreal, Quebec, carrying the roof off the western tower of the New Catholic Parish Church and depositing on Notre Dame Street. Construction material was tossed around and various houses were destroyed. Damage was also done on Guy Street.[13]
September 5 - an F2 tornado and a probable tornado struck
Ontario and
Quebec. The F2 tornado struck
Cornwall, Ontario, and near
Lancaster, Ontario. The tornado started near
Massena, New York, before crossing the
St. Lawrence River. The tornado was spotted crossing the river from
Long Sault, Ontario. In
Cornwall, Ontario, the tornado did significant damage to structures with the tornado destroying 3 houses, unroofing 8, and damaging another 9 or so. As for out-houses, the tornado destroyed 11, unroofed 13, and damaged many more. Debris was carried up to the three miles away. A young girl was thrown into the
Cornwall Canal and drowned, while her brother and another man escaped without injury. The tornado approached the
St. Lawrence River near
Lancaster, Ontario, where it destroyed several other buildings and injured two.[17][18] The probable tornado struck
Saint-Édouard, Quebec, two hours after the first tornado. The storm lasted 50 minutes which is far longer than a normal tornado, however, the damage caused was the destruction of 57 buildings of various kinds. This tornado is listed as probable as the description is not fully clear on the event but the significant damage caused seems far greater than a
downburst.[19]
July 5 - an F3 tornado touched down over
Lake Scugog, spending nearly 12 minutes over the water, before moving south into
Cartwright Township, Ontario. Trees were snapped and twisted off while fences were blown down. Hail the size of hen's eggs occurred on the outskirts of the tornado. Into eastern
Darlington Township, Ontario, an entire forest was destroyed with hail larger than the previous size. A vast majority of livestock in the area were killed. Significant damage was done to homes and barns, alongside crops. The tornado was half a mile wide and tracked for 14 miles in length. Various people were injured with a range of severity.[23] The towns of
Manchester, Ontario,
Enniskillen, Ontario, and
Haydon, Ontario, suffered greatly.[24]
September 10 - an F1 tornado touched down near
Kemptville, Ontario, resulting in some minor tree damage. The tornado continued eastward before striking
Mountain, Ontario, and
Winchester, Ontario, where trees were damaged, homes were unroofed, and fences were destroyed.[36][37]
August 5 - an unrated tornado struck
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, destroying trees and property. At least two people drown while a vessel with seven on board capsized. It is unknown if all on board died.[39]
May 26 - an F1 tornado touched down near
Aurora, Ontario, and passed into
Gormley, Ontario. The tornado caused extensive damage. This tornado is likely underrated.[42]
May 24 - an unrated tornado touched down north of
Brantford, Ontario, before moving southeast to the east of Brantford. The tornado did considerable amounts of damage to fences, barns, and homes in the area. The tornado did not appear more than 60 feet wide. At times, there were two distinct paths of damage in close proximity that would reunite into a single path.[44]
October 6 - two F0 tornadoes touched down in
Ontario. The first tornado touched down near
Erin, Ontario, while the second tornado caused damage in
Rama, Ontario.[52][53]
September 14 - an F0 tornado touched down near
Brampton, Ontario, as a complex of severe thunderstorms passed over
Southwestern Ontario. Additional tornadoes may have occurred.[58]
July 20 - two probable tornadoes touched down in
British Columbia. The first tornado touched down along the
Quesnel River in the valley, near
Quesnel, British Columbia. The tornado was strong enough to knock over 18-inch in diameter trees and carry them long distances.[67] A second tornado touched down near
Williams Creek, British Columbia, carrying light materials some distance.[68] These two tornadoes are only probable as they do mention smoke and fire with both situations, but if severe thunderstorms did cross a forest fire area and produce a tornado, the vortex could be able to spin up the smoke alongside carry debris and cause damage as described in the articles.
Weeks before August 21 (on a Sunday) - one strong tornado or two smaller tornadoes touched down in
Southwestern Ontario. The source indicates that a tornado started a few miles west of
Woodstock, Ontario, and crossed through the city. The tornado caused immense damage, destroying over 740 panes of glass from the Canada Institute building, uprooting trees and levelling barns and sheds in "East Woodstock". The source discusses a second tornado through
Middlesex County, Ontario, which may have been the origin for the first tornado. The description of this tornado claims that forests, fences, houses, and everything else were knocked down in the path of the tornado.[29]
July 16 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Montreal, Quebec. It only lasted five minutes and destroyed everything in its path. There was one unconfirmed death.[73]
June 7 - an unrated tornado struck
Kemptville, Ontario. The tornado was short-lived and destroyed about $25,000 worth of property. Many buildings were destroyed including barns, sheds, stables, homes, and shops.[88]
May 8 or 9 - an unrated probable tornado struck
Flos Township, Ontario, resulting in tree damaged, blown down fences, and damaged roofs. There is some uncertainty regarding whether or not this was a tornadic event given it mentions significant snowfall during the event.[90]
April 14 - an unrated tornado
Kingston, Ontario, causing significant damage in the city. Many buildings were demolished including a four-story building. Damage was most significant along Princess Street.[98]
August 16 - an unrated tornado struck
Goderich, Ontario, during the morning hours. The tornado twisted the tops of fruit trees, stripped roofs of their shingles, and lofted debris into the air.[107]
July 29 - a probable tornado struck
Port Burwell, Ontario, destroying trees, fences, and chimneys. Based on the description of the event, this could have been caused by a
downburst, however, the article claims a tornado.[112]
June 2 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Canada, specific location unknown. The tornado blew down outhouses, uprooted trees, and killed livestock. Two men were killed.[117]
July 28 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Exeter, Ontario, causing a considerable amount of destruction. Hotels, churches, and houses were ripped apart with many other buildings sustaining roof damage.[128]
September 9 - an F0 tornado did considerable damage to many properties in
Newburgh, Ontario.[129]
1884
May 15 - three tornadoes touched down in Ontario. The first tornado was unrated and touched down in
Woodstock, Ontario, resulting in structural and tree damage in the southern end of town.[130] The second tornado, an F0, touched down just south of
Elora, Ontario, and moved between
Speedside, Ontario, and
Oustic, Ontario. The tornado destroyed barns, fences, and stables.[131] The third tornado, also an F0, touched down near
Goldstone, Ontario, and continued east to
Alma, Ontario, and
Orton, Ontario. The tornado caused significant damage to many farmsteads. The tornado damaged a church and cemetery in
Mapleton, Ontario. This tornado was likely underrated with some documentation listing it as a suspected F4 tornado.[132]
June 24 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Shell River, Manitoba, resulting in considerable damage.[133]
August 27 - at least one tornado struck between
Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and
Winnipeg, Manitoba, resulting in unroofed buildings and crop damage. The first tornado struck
Winnipeg causing significant damage to buildings. This tornado may have touched down outside of the city in the rural landscape to the west. The Weekly British Whig states that damage to some of the provincial towns was also severe with heavy crop damage while the Victoria Daily British Colonist states that the damage was in a narrow path with weak crop damage. Because of the difference in the event descriptions and the distance between
Portage la Prairie and
Winnipeg, it is assumed that there was likely at least one tornado with the possibility of more tornadoes that touched down.[135][136]
1885
Week before May 30 - an unrated small tornado struck north
Winnipeg, Manitoba, destroying half a dozen homes and injuring many.[137] The tornado briefly became a waterspout when it crossed the river.[138]
August 28 - an unrated tornado struck the
Muskoka District, Ontario, near
Skeleton Lake, Ontario, causing a path of destruction. Trees were uprooted while roofs were lifted off of barns and homes. Two children were killed by falling trees.[139]
April 1 - a small and probable tornado struck
Vancouver Island, specific location unknown. The tornado caused minor tree and telegraph line damage.[141]
July 16 - an unrated tornado passed through
Onondaga, Ontario, south of
Ohsweken, Ontario. The tornado demolished fences and uprooted trees before damaging an outbuilding.[142]
August 23 - an unrated tornado struck
London, Ontario, and
Ingersoll, Ontario, destroying numerous buildings, a large chimney from a Bell mill, and the roof of a gas works. Significant damage to trees, chimneys, and structures was also reported north of London.[143][144]
May 19 - an unrated tornado struck the camps of Rochester and Dorerty near
Antoine Creek, Ontario, resulting in tree damage. Two people were injured with one being taken to the hospital in
Mattawa, Ontario.[159]
July 21 - an unrated tornado passed through
Deloraine, Manitoba, with no further information provided.[160]
June 11 - an F0 tornado hit
Milton, Ontario, destroying fences and buildings. The tornado was 50 yards wide and extended for two miles across first, second, and third concessions of
Esquesing Township.[166][167][168]
September 1 or 8 - an unrated tornado struck
Mount Forest, Ontario, coming from the southwest and moving towards the northeast with a funnel. The tornado caused tree damage and destroyed the roofs on one or two buildings. Significant damage was done in the country after it passed through the community.[184]
1892
April 25 - an unrated tornado struck
Onondaga Township, Ontario, destroying everything moveable. Due to the lack of information and the referral of a 'Dakota cyclone', this is only a probable tornado.[185]
Few days before April 28 (likely April 25) - an unrated tornado struck
Belleville, Ontario, causing buildings to be blown into pieces with extensive damage done.[186]
June 12 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Port Arthur, Ontario, and
Fort William, Ontario, which now makes up the city of
Thunder Bay, Ontario. The tornado caused tree damage, destroyed telephone and telegraph wires, and wrecked a new building under construction.[188]
June 14 - at least two unrated tornadoes touched down in
Quebec and
Eastern Ontario, however, additional damage was reported which could result in upwards of six additional tornadoes. The first tornado hit
Sainte-Rose, Quebec, and
Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec. It is listed as the ninth deadliest tornado in Canadian history. Six people were killed and 26 injured.[189] Additional damage was reported in
Lachute, Quebec, where the path was nearly a mile wide, however, it is unclear from any sources whether this is the same tornado as the first one or a probable concurrent tornado.[190] The second tornado hit the
Township of Templeton, just east of the
Gatineau River causing significant tree damage. The tornado was half a mile wide.[191] Further east of both of these tornadoes, significant damage was reported in
Acton Vale, Quebec, and
Upton, Quebec, with a hundred homes destroyed and four deaths and a third tornado is probable.[192][190] Five additional areas of significant damage were reported across the region. These damage areas could have been from tornadoes or from strong straight-line winds/downbursts at the result of weaker building structures, however, based on the amount of damage caused, probable tornadoes seem likely. The significant damage was reported in
St. Johns, Quebec, where two buildings and a large barn were destroyed, over the
Île d'Orléans, Quebec, where various houses and barns were blown down, in
Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Quebec (just east of
Portneuf, Quebec) where a man died after falling off the roof of a barn they were repairing, over
Lac Saint-Jean where heavy damage was also reported, and in
Renfrew, Ontario, where a high school and six additional buildings were destroyed, including a home that was tossed more than 100 feet.[193][190][194][195]
July 10 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Douglas, Manitoba, killing one and levelling everything in its seven-mile path of destruction. The tornado was 100 yards wide. Cows, horses, and chickens were killed by the dozen.[199][200][201]
July 18 - two unrated tornadoes touched down in
Ontario, both causing damage. The first tornado, which is probable, struck
Hamilton, Ontario, destroying a pulp mill, killing two, and injuring many. A second tornado struck
Beaverton, Ontario, destroying many houses, stables, fences, and crops. A number of buildings were entirely demolished with several people injured.[207][208][209]
July 23 - an unrated tornado struck
Howard Township, Ontario, in
Kent County, Ontario, destroying barns, telegraph poles, fences, and trees. The tornado caused considerable damage on Howard Road and Talbot Street (present day
Ontario Highway 3). Fruit and grain were completely destroyed.[210]
July 29 - an F2 tornado passed touched down near
Ottawa, Ontario, before moving into
Quebec towards
Templeton, Quebec. This tornado passed through some the areas affected by the June 14th outbreak.[213]
August 9 - an unrated tornado and a probable tornado touched down in
Southwestern Ontario. The unrated tornado touched down near
Princeton, Ontario, before moving towards and just south of
Paris, Ontario. The tornado caused damage to telegraph lines and bridges, destroyed crops, and damaged buildings. Notable tree damage was reported throughout
Brantford, Ontario, but information is inconclusive to rule if this was part of the tornado or not. A probable tornado touched down in the vicinity of the
Region of Waterloo, Ontario, and
Oxford County, Ontario.[214][216][217][218]
August 17 - an unrated tornado touched down in
O'Leary, Prince Edward Island, destroying three houses near the railway station and five dwellings and two barns on North Road. One person was killed.[219][220]
December 3 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Montmorency, Quebec, destroying part of a church. Several barns and dwellings were destroyed.[223][224]
1893
April 4 - an unrated tornado struck parts of
Lethbridge, Alberta, resulting in damage. The front of a local store collapsed.[225]
April 20 - a probable tornado struck
Owen Sound, Ontario, destroying fences, sheds, and outhouses. The tornado unroofed barns and homes. There is a lack of concrete evidence regarding this tornado. The newspaper also discusses significant damage in the vicinity of
Mono Road, Ontario, which might be classified as a second probable tornado.[228]
May 22 - immense destruction was reported across
Ontario into
Quebec with sources indicating up to seven tornadoes. Various towns were impacted. The first tornado, an F2, touched down near
Aurora, Ontario. The tornado destroyed a church steeple and caused significant damage.[229] The second tornado, an F2, touched down near
Tilsonburg, Ontario, destroying an oatmeal mill, killing one. The tornado caused significant tree damage along
Ontario Highway 19 through to
Brantford, Ontario.[230] A third F2 tornado struck
Belleville, Ontario.[231] An unrated tornado destroyed circus tents, injuring one and killing one in
Perth, Ontario. A fifth tornado, unrated, struck
Ottawa, Ontario, destroying the St Jean Baptist School, killing a child and injuring another. Small towers on Bank Street collapsed. Several additional people were killed and injured. A sixth tornado occurred in
Montreal, Quebec, where various homes were completely destroyed while others only received minor damage. The tornado lofted debris to Rue Cathcart in the city.[232] A seventh tornado moved between
Delhi, Ontario, and
Windham Centre, Ontario. Additional damage was reported in
Orillia, Ontario, where a man was injured by a falling steeple, however, there was inconclusive evidence to support a tornado classification.[233][234][235]
May 30 - an unrated tornado struck
Nottawa, Ontario, removing the roof off a mill.[236]
July 9 - a waterspout touched down over
Lake Saint-Louis, Quebec, near
Montreal, Quebec. The tornado resulted in a boat capsizing and a man drowning. From the newspaper article, there is no indication that the waterspout made landfall.[237]
July 10 - an unrated tornado touched north of
Brandon, Manitoba. A dispatcher in
Brandon, Manitoba, reported that a cyclone touched down north of the city, demolishing several homes and barns. The storm took a southeast path, striking
Douglas, Manitoba, and
Carberry, Manitoba. A dispatcher in Douglas reported a cone-shaped cloud reaching the ground. Houses and stables were blown down while machinery was scattered across the farmland in this area. Additional damage was reported in
Chater, Manitoba.[238]
August 2 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, uprooting trees, flattening crops, and destroying the front of the provincial buildings. The tornado levelled the McKinnon's old tannery and other various buildings.[240]
1894
May 6 - an unrated tornado struck
Clinton, Ontario, shattering a few windows with debris.[241]
May 20 or May 27 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Montreal, Quebec. The tornado tore the roofs off several buildings.[242]
May 20 or May 27 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Huron County, Ontario. The tornado caused significant property damage and a considerable number of people died.[243]
September 18 - an unrated tornado struck
Clinton, Ontario. A flex mill was partly unroofed and wagons were overturned. Trees were uprooted and buildings were demolished.[245][246][247]
1895
May 4 - a small unrated tornado struck a few miles north of
Bagot, Manitoba. The tornado carried parts of a granary half a mile away. A kitchen was also moved off its foundation.[248]
June 3 - a small unrated tornado struck
Brokenhead, Manitoba, tearing the roof off several buildings.[249]
August 4 - an unrated tornado struck 3 miles east of
Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, causing significant damage near
Clarence, Nova Scotia, and
Paradise, Nova Scotia. While one of the sources states that the tornado was 3 miles east of
Bridgeport, Nova Scotia, the second and more detailed source indicates other communities such as Clarence and Paradise which are significantly closer to Bridgetown compared to Bridgeport. The tornado snapped and uprooted many shade and orchard trees, throwing them credible distances. Windows were shattered, chimneys fell, and fences were levelled. The top story of a barn was torn off and carried for over a mile with pieces of scantling being driven 3 feet into the ground. An additional house, barns, stables, and crops were also destroyed.[255][256]
September 11 - an F2 tornado touched down in
Kingston, Ontario, before crossing the
St. Lawrence River and impacting
Cape Vincent, New York. The tornado caused immense amounts of damage and killed two people. The probable tornado from September 23 in the Kingston area might actually have been the same tornado as this one.[257][258][259][260] There are some indications that the tornado (or a secondary one) may have touched down further west near
McIntyre, Ontario, causing little damage.[261]
May 25 - an F2 tornado touched down near
Windsor, Ontario, in the
Sandwich East district, resulting in destroyed houses, barns, machinery, fences, and trees. Many cattle and horses were killed, however, no notable deaths or injuries for humans.[263][264][265][266]
June 6 - a probable cyclone did considerable damage at the French village of Guion, thirty miles up the
Ottawa River. A village named "Guion" doesn't exist, but the next closest thing which matches the distance is the closely named
Quyon, Quebec. Unless further information is found, it can be assumed that the misspelling was a miscommunication.[267]
June 25 - a probable tornado touched down in
Windsor, Ontario, destroying and lifting off roofs, smashing windows, and damaging trees. Many chimneys were also blown down.[268][269]
August 10 - an F0 tornado touched down in
Amherstburg, Ontario, lifting the roof from the Lake View house and tossing it across the street. Various boats in the
Detroit River were overturned.[272] Significant damage was also reported in
Simcoe, Ontario, where the roof from a grand stand was carried around with more minor damage to fences and trees reported. There was also significant crop damage in this area which is more indictive of straight-line winds or a downburst unless new information can be found.[273][274]
August 26 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Flinton, Ontario. The tornado caused significant damage to homes, barns, and fences. Many trees were destroyed.[275]
1897
June 21 - an unrated tornado struck
Nicola, British Columbia, just northeast of
Merritt, British Columbia. The tornado snapped trees near Mill Creek which fell in the direction of Driard hotel.[276] There was initial question about the creditability of this report, but further research suggests that a Driard hotel did exist in Nicola with a Mill Creek Road also existing in the area, therefore, the report is classified as valid.
Within the week before July 20 - an unrated tornado struck between
Lothaire, Alberta and
Wheatland, Alberta, resulting in minor tree damage and a damaged barn roof.[286] The lack of information makes this event question whether it was actually a tornado, listed as 'probable' until further evidence is provided.
September 16 - an unrated tornado struck
Anderdon Township, Ontario, levelling telephone and telegraph lines, uprooting trees, and unroofing barns and homes. Multiple horses were killed during the storm.[287]
November 9 - an unrated tornado struck
Victoria, British Columbia, causing immense damage.[288] The lack of information makes this event question whether it was actually a tornado, listed as 'probable' until further evidence is provided.
Week before June 30 - an unrated tornado struck the now ghost town of
Percy, Assiniboia, which is just northeast of
Kisbey, Saskatchewan, killing one. The roof of a house was torn off.[291]
Before July 29 - a questionable tornado touched down near
Kingsville, Ontario, destroying 800 peach trees. The description of the damage depicts an event more similar to a
downburst. Additional information is need to determine the event classification.[293]
July 31 - an unrated tornado tracked south to north, just west of
Regina, Saskatchewan, destroying several telegraph poles.[294]
August 15 - two or three F0 tornadoes touched down in
Ontario. The first tornado touched down just south of
Marmora, Ontario. The second tornado struck
Derby Township. The third probable tornado, occurring in
Sarawak Township, may have been an extension to the second tornado, however, newspaper articles are unclear as whether or not these were two separate events.[295]
September 10 - an unrated tornado touched down over
Oil City, Ontario, destroying a number of mills and barns. Fences were blown down and trees torn up. Several people were injured by flying debris.[313]
1900s
1900
February 3 - an unrated questionable tornado destroyed twenty houses at
Lark Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador.[314][315][316][317][318] Based on the date of this tornado and terminology used in the 1900s, there is question as to whether this was another weather system or an actual tornado.
June 5 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Winnipeg, Manitoba, killing one and destroying numerous buildings and telephone communications.[319][320]
July 10 - an unrated tornado touched down south of
Manitou, Manitoba, destroying a barn, small house and a stables. Additional buildings were damaged. There were two injuries.[322]
July 26 - an unrated tornado struck near
Lyn, Ontario. No information has been found on the tornado besides a child dying from a lightning strike associated with the parent storm.[324] The lack of information on the actual tornado makes this questionable.
August 29 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Yorkton, Saskatchewan, destroying many roofs, a new brick house, and a stables.[350]
1902
May 12 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Holmesville, Ontario, levelling fences and blowing the roof of a barn.[351]
May 21 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Toronto, Ontario, damaging many trees, telegraph wires, fences, and signs. A church tower was overturned with numerous windows broken. There was at least one injury.[352]
May 21 - an unrated tornado touched down in the
Pleasant Point, Manitoba, and
Carberry, Manitoba, region, destroying buildings, trees, and shattering fences. The tornado was three miles in length and three to four hundred feet wide.[344][353][354]
Before July 16 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Laval, Quebec, near the
Doucet's Landing railway station, destroying ten houses.[355]
July 17 - an F4 tornado struck
Chesterville, Ontario, tracking northeastward. The tornado was fifty to sixty rods wide and tore dwellings and outbuildings into pieces. Several people were killed, at least five, and injured at a farm in the seventh concession of
Winchester, Ontario.[356][357][358][359]
August 3 - an unrated tornado touched down in
St. Catharines, Ontario, damaging various fruit farms and buildings.[360][361][362][363] A single source from three days after the event suggests that this tornado hit also hit
Fonthill, Ontario, however, based on the description from the previous sources, this is questionable. It would be possible that the damage in
Fonthill which is estimated at $25,000 in damages was from a second probable tornado.[364]
May 27 - multiple tornadoes touched down across
Southwestern Ontario. The first tornado, an F2, touched down near
Monkton, Ontario, before moving through
Mornington Township and ending near
Tralee, Ontario. The tornado started at the seventh concession and destroyed a silo before destroying a bush and large barn. A house was shifted eight feet of its foundation. A brick school house on 100th concession was completely wrecked with debris thrown over half a mile. There was one serious injury.[367] A second tornado, an F2, touched down near
Listowel, Ontario, and continued eastward towards
Elora, Ontario, unroofing part of a barn and throwing it 60 yards away.[368] A third tornado, an F1, touched down half a mile south of
Amherstburg, Ontario, were a drive-shed, new barn, and dwelling was destroyed. A person was carried several yards but remained uninjured.[369][370]
June 18 - an unrated tornado struck the side of
Mount Sicker, British Columbia, resulting in tree damage in all directions block railways.[371]
July 13 - an unrated small probable tornado struck
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, resulting in damage to roof and shed of the Methodist church. The Roman Catholic church was shifted a foot and small shacks were damaged across the area.[372] Based on the description of the event, there is question as to whether this was a tornado or not.
August 6 - an F1 tornado touched down two miles west of
Forest, Ontario, damaging various barns, windmills, and chimneys. Fences were levelled to the ground, windows shattered, and trees and crops destroyed. Damage was also town in the town of
Forest, Ontario, and throughout
Warwick Township, Ontario. Several people were injured.[375][376][377]
November 10 - an unrated tornado struck
Arrowhead, British Columbia, listing the Reid & Young store entirely off its foundation and throwing it twenty feet away. The tornado lasted only a couple seconds.[379]
1904
May 27 - an F1 tornado touched down in
Amherstburg, Ontario, resulting in damage to the Lakeview hotel. Tall smokestacks from the Electric Light and Power Company toppled over. The court house was partially wrecked.[380][381][382]
May 28 - an unrated tornado struck the southern portion of
Brandon, Manitoba, destroying the fair grounds and some small houses.[383]
June 10 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Carlyle, Saskatchewan, destroying stables, a skating rink, a kitchen and a hotel.[384]
Before July 14 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Brockville, Ontario, unroofing barns and damaging trees.[385]
July 15 - an unrated tornado passed near
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, cutting a 400 yard wide path through the country side. A stable was smashed and tossed half a mile. Numerous buildings near the stable were also damaged.[386]
July 6 - an F0 tornado touched down near
Barrie, Ontario, and in
Midhurst, Ontario. The tornado blew over and destroyed several barns. The property of
Charles Stewart (premier) was destroyed with the roof of the barn being blown off, the kitchen in the house being torn apart, and trees and fences also being destroyed.[388][389]
July 12 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Pine Lake, Alberta, southeast of
Red Deer, Alberta resulting in considerable damage to stock and farm property. The path could be tracked through the fields and through a forest, peaking at three to four rods wide. A house lost its roof, but buildings on each side were left untouched.[390][391][392]
July 15 - an unrated damaging tornado struck
Winnipeg, Manitoba, resulting in four deaths. The tornado tore up chimneys, building frames, and communication lines.[393] Many cattle died and six people were injured.[394]
June 8 - at least four unrated probable tornadoes touched down in
Ontario. The first probable tornado touched down in
Hamilton, Ontario, uprooting trees, damaging roofs, and destroying a sailboat.[399][400] A second probable tornado started near
Rodney, Ontario, where it destroyed the roof of the Binder Hotel before continuing through/near
West Lorne, Ontario,
Dutton, Ontario,
Shedden, Ontario, and
Fingal, Ontario, before ending in
St. Thomas, Ontario, where a roof of the
Michigan Central Railroad was destroyed and nearly all trees on Wellington Street were damaged or destroyed.[401][402] Damage in some of the nearby towns mentioned before could have been from the outer edges, more in the style of a downburst associated with the thunderstorm, but without proper record keeping as in the modern era, this can all be classified under one tornadic event. A third tornado touched down in
Chatham, Ontario, causing significant tree damage across the city. The tower of the Methodist church collapsed, the peak was knocked off the school, skylights were blown out, smokestacks of several local factories were also destroyed. Various houses were destroyed. This tornado likely dissipated before touching down again as the
Rodney, Ontario, to
St. Thomas, Ontario, tornado. In
Sarnia, Ontario, a fourth probable tornado touched down destroying 150 square feet of roofing on a new lumber mill. Numerous trees were destroyed while a house was lifted off its foundation and tossed. Based on the damage reported, the tornado started near the
St. Clair River causing damage along Christina Street, Johnston Street, and Queen Street before moving across Wellington Street and causing damage along Davis Street. The tornado began to weaken before causing minor damage on Russell Street. Additional damage was reported in
Port Stanley, Ontario, where a ninety-foot elevator tower collapsed and in
Niagara Falls, Ontario. There is inconclusive information to determine the classification of the event in
Port Stanley, Ontario, and
Niagara Falls, Ontario.[403][404][405]
June 14 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Balgonie, Saskatchewan, where it tore apart a skating rink and destroyed the roof of a new stables.[406]
July 31 - an unrated tornado passed three miles west of
Waterloo, Ontario, destroying fences and wheat stacks. Trees and crops were also damaged.[408][409]
August 1 - an unrated tornado struck the
North Battleford, Saskatchewan, area resulting in a Baptist church blowing off its foundation and a couple of houses being overturned.[410]
October 9 - an unrated tornado struck
Ayr, Ontario, damaging trees, chimneys, homes and other buildings. A mill to the west was also damaged.[412]
October 29 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Coutts, Alberta resulting damage near the international border. The tornado tore parts of the walls on the Campbell's blacksmith shop, destroyed chimneys, and blew over the windmill for the
Great Northern Railway of Canada.[413][414]
1907
May 26 - an F3 tornado touched down near
Nixon, Ontario, where much of the town was destroyed. The tornado moved through the countryside before striking
Waterford, Ontario. This tornado was locally referred to as "The Nixon Cyclone" in local newspapers.[415]
June 3 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Nixon, Ontario, west of
Simcoe, Ontario. The tornado was narrow, destroying only two houses, a grocery store and a structure with a large coal chute. In the country, several barn roofs were torn off of barns and carried a long distance. In some cases, barn walls were also destroyed.[416]
June 16 - two unrated tornadoes touched down in
Manitoba with additional possible tornadic damage in
Saskatchewan. The first tornado struck
Napinka, Manitoba, resulting in damage to a farm property.[417][418] A second tornado touched down to the north near
Griswold, Manitoba, destroying fences and chimneys. Tents for the
Canadian National Railway construction were flattened. A home was lifted up from the ground and shifted. Unclassified wind damage was reported in
Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan, dealing a 'cyclonic force.' Buildings were torn to pieces with a small house being lifted up and shifted. Unclassified wind damage, possibly from a tornado, was reported to the north in
Newdale, Manitoba. In this town, numerous farm buildings were damaged or destroyed, including stables, a granary, and homes. Shingles were torn off a roof. Many animals died and one person was injured.[419]
June 24 - an unrated probable tornado touched down near
Huntsville, Ontario. The probable tornado tore off a dwelling from a store and the flag pole near the school collapsed. Significant tree damage was reported with trees "thrown in every direction." Based on the description of the event, there is question as to whether this was a tornado or not.[420]
July 6 - an unrated tornado touched down in the
Meridian District, Saskatchewan, destroying the Kimberley school house, several granaries, and nearby fields. The entry in the source lists the closest settlement as
Oxbow, Saskatchewan.[421]
August 8 - an unrated tornado struck
Tuxford, Saskatchewan, damaging and shifting the Anglican church, William's hotel and a large barn off their foundations. A hardware store and ice cream parlor were badly damaged. Sidewalks were ripped up.[422]
August 14 - an unrated tornado touched down 20 miles south of
Vermilion, Alberta on the
Battle River killing 3 children and destroying a house along with stables and corrals.[423]
1908
June 8 - an unrated tornado struck
Clinton, Ontario, tearing off the flag pole from town hall, lifting the roof off an evaporator and damaging trees. There is some question as to whether this was a tornado or only severe wind gusts.[424]
June 19 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Hamilton, Ontario, damaging many trees and the electric system.[425]
July 29 - two unrated tornadoes touched down in
Saskatchewan. The first tornado touched down near
Fillmore, Saskatchewan, doing considerable damage to the town and surrounding rural land. Various buildings, including a school, were destroyed. A single schoolboy died.[427] A second tornado touched down near
Warman, Saskatchewan, resulting in the Anglican church being shifted while the Saskatchewan Trading Company's warehouse was destroyed.[428] Additional damage was reported in
Ninga, Manitoba,
Dunrea, Manitoba, and
Waskada, Manitoba. It is unclear if this additional damage was the result of tornadoes or not.[429]
August 5 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Mount Pleasant, Ontario, demolishing numerous barns, unroofing many others, and causing impassable roads from fallen trees.[431]
August 16 - an unrated tornado struck
Goderich, Ontario, uprooting trees and damaging structures.[432]
October 5 - an unrated small tornado struck
Morris, Manitoba, unroofing two buildings, throwing some farm machinery, and relocating livestock. Small trees were also uprooted.[433]
October 6 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Birds Hill, Manitoba, outside of
Winnipeg, Manitoba, doing considerable damage. Two or three houses were destroyed and telephone poles torn up.[434][435]
Week before October 9 - am unrated small tornado touched down on
Wolfe Island, Ontario, causing considerable damage. The tornado shifted several farm structures and demolished at least one.[436]
1909
April 6 - an unrated tornado struck
London, Ontario, causing some minor damage to a chimney. Half a dozen children were injured from a falling chimney.[437][438]
April 15 - an unrated small tornado struck near
Piche, Saskatchewan, which is now called
Bents, Saskatchewan. The tornado lifted half a house and carried it to the next homestead.[439]
May 13 - an unrated tornado touched down in
McKillop Township, Ontario. The tornado caused damage to fences and railway boards.[440]
July 1 - an unrated tornado near
Didsbury, Alberta is shown in a photograph in the archives of the Glenbow Museum.[441][442]
July 1 - an unrated tornado struck
Carievale, Saskatchewan, and
Gainsboro, Saskatchewan, destroying homes and buildings. Farm machinery were twisted, carried over a half a mile, and destroyed. Buildings were torn up and scattered through fields. Eleven families were left homeless, five were killed, and up to 30 people were injured. A post office was destroyed.[443][444]
July 10 - an unrated tornado touched down over the eastern part of
Hullett Township, Ontario. The tornado did considerable damage to trees and fences. A silo was blown down. Machinery was overturned.[446]
July 16 - two unrated tornadoes touched down in
Alberta and
Saskatchewan. The first was an F3 tornado struck near the settlement of
Golden Valley, Alberta,[447] injuring four. Continuing from the first storm, at 10 pm, a second strong tornado caused damage 14 miles north pf
Wilkie, Saskatchewan, causing one injury. The second tornado completely destroyed a house and carried pieces of it for a quarter of a mile. Hay stacks and farm machinery were tossed. A second house was damaged. The tornado was a quarter of a mile wide.[448][449][450][451][452]
March 5 - an unrated probable tornado struck
Winnipeg, Manitoba, causing considerable damage. The probable tornado blew down the walls of a six-story furniture warehouse. There is a lack of detail regarding any other damage to determine if this was a tornado or not.[453]
June 21 - two unrated tornadoes struck the
Canadian Prairies The first tornado struck 60 miles south of
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, resulting in widespread damage to homes and farms. Three people were killed, including two children, with seven people injured according to The Granum Press and
Lethbridge Herald report that three people died.[454][455] The book, "The Literary History of Saskatchewan," cites another book, "Freeman Wing Searches," stating that it lists all the names of the Euro-Canadians and three Asian men died, implying that more than three deaths occurred.[456][457][458][459] The second tornado struck
Gladstone, Manitoba, destroying a skating rink and part of a mill.[460]
July 3 - an unrated probable tornado struck
Davidson, Saskatchewan, destroying some houses, barns, numerous granaries, and other buildings. Some debris was lofted over 100 yards.[461] The description of the event isn't definitive enough to say if this was a tornado or not with confidence.
July 29 - an unrated tornado struck
Beverley, Saskatchewan, destroying the Quon Koy restaurant. A home a mile east of the town was also destroyed.[462]
July 30 - an unrated probable tornado touched down in
London, Ontario, destroying telephone lines west of the city with trees down throughout the region.[463] The lack of information makes this event question whether it was actually a tornado, listed as 'probable' until further evidence is provided.
September 8 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Creston, British Columbia, resulting in significant damage. The length of the tornado was 500 yards with a wide of 30 feet. The tornado dealt damage to homes and business in the community including barns and farm buildings. Large glass panes were destroyed and large timber blocks weighing up to 400 pounds were picked up and thrown 150 yards.[464][465][466]
October 1 - an unrated tornado struck
Montreal, Quebec, resulting in damaged businesses and telephone services.[467]
1911
March 13 - an unrated small tornado touched down near
Macleod, Alberta resulting in minor damage.[468]
March 27 - an unrated small tornado struck
St. Catharines, Ontario, damaging trees and fences. The day following the tornado (March 28) included a significant snow storm and blizzard.[469]
April 15 - an unrated tornado struck
Nanaimo, British Columbia, resulting in uprooted trees, downed fences, smashed windows, and torn shingles.[470]
Before May 11 - an unrated tornado and violent storm occurred between
Brandon, Manitoba, and
Winnipeg, Manitoba, resulting in damage to telephone communications.[472]
May 9 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Carievale, Saskatchewan, destroying multiple buildings including numerous barns and a kitchen.[473][474]
May 24 - an unrated tornado touched down in
St. Boniface, Manitoba, tearing trees, overturning barns and sheds, and breaking windows.[475]
June 10 - an F2 tornado struck
Owen Sound, Ontario. The Clinton New Era paper suggests that two tornadoes merged into a single tornado before destroying thousands of windows, lifting many roofs, and destroying many crops in the area.[476][477][478]
July 9 - an unrated tornado struck
Huronville, Saskatchewan, lifting several houses off their foundation and carrying them for more than a mile. Three people were injured.[486]
Week before July 10 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Strome, Alberta only lasting a few seconds, but smashing a few windows and shifting a couple barns. Damage was minimal.[487]
July 10 - an unrated probable tornado struck
Peterborough, Ontario, damaging trees, wires, and telephone systems. There is a lack of information which makes this tornado questionable.[488]
July 12 - an unrated tornado struck
Wawota, Saskatchewan, lifting a large barn off its foundation, destroying several other barns, and knocking down fences across the area.[489]
July 24 - an unrated small tornado touched down near
Fergus, Ontario, injuring one person.[490]
August 11 - an unrated large tornado hit near
Black Diamond, Alberta destroying some houses and a granary. One woman was badly injured.[491]
June 30 - Canada's deadliest twister hit
Regina, Saskatchewan. Known as the
Regina Cyclone, it was an F4 tornado that devastated the city. More than 300 people were injured and 28 people killed. The total cost of damage was estimated to be around $4.5 million (nearly $117M in 2019).
1915
June 25 - an F4 tornado struck near
Medicine Hat, Alberta. The business section of
Redcliff was also severely damaged, and a freight train was blown off the tracks. The storm killed two people and injured many others.[495]
No date - a tornado touched down near
Vermilion, Alberta, destroying a log house. Three children were killed, and one woman was carried 27 m (30 yd).[496]
July 22 - a violent tornado passed through a large portion of southeastern
Saskatchewan, killing four people and injuring over a dozen. The
Canadian Red Cross provided relief on behalf of the government to 42 affected families in
Alameda,
Frobisher,
Lampman,
Steelman, and
Estevan. Grazulis rated it as F5.[498]
August 15 - an F3 tornado touched down near
Eastend, Saskatchewan, killing two and injuring four.
1923
June 24 - a tornado touched down near
Hornby, Ontario (present-day
Halton Hills). It travelled eastward almost 20 km (12 mi) before dissipating near
Cooksville, close to the centre of present-day
Mississauga.
1926
July 12 - a rare tornado touched down in
Lac la Hache, British Columbia, destroying farm buildings and knocking down trees.
1927
June 18 - a tornado picked up a house in
Elfros, Saskatchewan, killing one person. The damage path lasted for 11 km (6.8 mi).
July 8 - a strong tornado struck
Vulcan, Alberta, causing significant damage in the town and surrounding area. A curling rink was destroyed, along with a dairy farm and a granary. There were no injuries.
July 8 - a tornado struck the Rainy Creek area SW of
Bentley, Alberta "leaving a trail of damage and destruction" as recorded in the book titled Bentley and District Early History.[501][502]
July 8 - a tornado struck the town of
Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Fifty businesses were destroyed or damaged, as were several residences, barns, garages and other structures. Two people were severely injured, but miraculously no one was killed.[503]
1928
August 27 - a tornado touched down near
Claresholm, Alberta resulting in widespread damage to nearby farms and structures. Several animals died in the tornado.[504]
1930s
1933
May 23 - a tornado passed a mile south and west of the town of
Winkler, Manitoba, late in the afternoon, and was photographed. The accompanying cloudburst resulted in severe flooding in the town lasting into the following day.[505]
August 9 - locally known as the "Kamsack Cyclone", a tornado touched down in
Kamsack, Saskatchewan, destroying 400 homes and 100 businesses. Three people were killed and many more injured.[509]
1946
June 17 - the third deadliest tornado in Canadian history struck the towns of
Windsor and
Tecumseh, Ontario. Known as the
1946 Windsor–Tecumseh tornado, it was given an F4 rating and killed 17 people. Damage estimates at the time exceeded $9 million.[510]
May 21 - an
F4 tornado touched down in
Sarnia, Ontario, leaving seven people dead, over 40 injured, and 500 homeless. The path was estimated to be over 150 km (93 mi) long through
Michigan and
Ontario.
April 16 - a tornado hit
Watrous, Saskatchewan, destroying a large barn and scattering pigs up to 5 km (3.1 mi) away.
1959
June 6 - a tornado destroyed a garage in
La Salle, Manitoba, yet the car inside the garage was not damaged. The tornado could be seen 15 km (9.3 mi) away in
Winnipeg.
1960s
1960
July 18 - a violent cone-shaped tornado was reported to have torn through the
Mentmore, Ingelow and
Brookdale areas of
Manitoba. The twister pushed 59 cars from a
Canadian National Railway freight train off their tracks, damaged buildings, flattened crops, snapped power lines, uprooted trees and pushed a garage off its foundation. Damage was estimated at half a million dollars.[514]
1962
July 1 - a small tornado was observed near
Vancouver, British Columbia. This was the third tornado recorded since the weather office opened in 1929.
1963
June 29 - a large tornado touched down near
Spy Hill, Saskatchewan, 260 km (160 mi) northwest of
Regina, destroying multiple houses and damaging property. One man was killed when he was sucked out of his house. The tornado travelled 6.4 km (4 mi), and left a 1.6 km (1 mi) wide path of destruction.[515]
1966
March 7 - an unconfirmed tornado touched down in
Ucluelet, British Columbia, causing significant damage. It drove a metal spike through a classroom window into a blackboard.
June 10 - a small tornado touched down near
Nanton, Alberta, tearing trees and narrowly missing ranch buildings.[516]
1967
April 17 - a total of four tornadoes, two being F3 in strength, touched down in
Southwestern Ontario, causing at least $8.2 million in damage. The first tracked through
Huron and
Perth counties, flattening barns and homes, and snapping multiple trees and utility poles. The second F3 tracked from
St. Jacobs to northwest of
Guelph. Two F0 tornadoes were also confirmed and one person was killed.[517][518]
July 20 - a tornado struck
La Riviere, Manitoba, destroying several cabins, ripping the roof off the grain elevator, flipping vehicles, and downing many trees. The tornado tracked about 20 miles to northeast of Manitou with a damage path 200 yds wide.[519]
1970s
1970
August 20 - an early morning
F3 tornado touched down near
Sudbury, Ontario, causing extensive damage in the city, as well as in the suburban communities of
Lively and
Copper Cliff, and the more distant rural community of
Field. Lively was the hardest hit, with over 300 homes damaged. The communities were given little warning of bad weather approaching, as the
Sudbury Airport did not have radar that detected tornado activity. Over 200 people were injured and six were killed. The damage was estimated at $17 million, and it is listed as the eighth deadliest tornado in Canadian history.[520]
1972
July 22 - a tornado near
Algonquin Provincial Park left a 25 km (16 mi) path, destroying a
portage trail and wide swaths of
red pine forest and other trees south of Lake Lavieille.
July 28 - a tornado tore through farmland near
Bawlf, Alberta, destroying a two-storey house and several farm buildings. Two people were injured, and one person was injured and died later from the injuries.[521]
July 13 - a tornado touched down in
Brighton, Ontario, in the early evening hours. It only lasted 32 seconds, but destroyed the city hall and toppled most
maple trees along Main Street. The Presbyterian Church also lost its
steeple. Only one person was injured.[522]
April 3 -
Windsor, Ontario, was hit with an F3 tornado, part of the
1974 Super Outbreak. Nine people were killed and 30 were injured, with an estimated $500,000 in damage. It is listed as the sixth deadliest tornado in Canadian history.[523]
1975
July 24 - a strong tornado hit
Saint-Bonaventure, Quebec, approximately 80 km (50 mi) northeast of
Montreal, destroying over 100 homes and businesses. Three people were killed, and over forty were hospitalized.[524]
1977
July 18 - an F4 tornado touched down near
St. Malo, Manitoba, destroying houses and barns. Asphalt was peeled off
Highway 59 as a result of the strong winds. Three people were killed.[525]
1978
June 27 - an F2 tore through the city of
Masson-Angers, Quebec (today part of
Gatineau), damaging 100 homes and injuring 35 people.
July 30 - an F2 tornado touched down near
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, toppling a tower and then destroying a transmission tower near
Rae-Edzo. Some witnesses said that they saw a huge 1.6 km (1 mi) wide wedge coming into town from the west. The tornado caused severe damage to weakly built houses. It was the third recorded tornado in the region since 1960.[526]
1979
July 10 - a tornado struck the town of Glasnevin, Saskatchewan, killing one person.[527]
August 7 -
three tornadoes struck near the
Woodstock, Ontario, area, causing more than $100 million in damage. The biggest were two F4 tornadoes; one starting in Woodstock and travelling southeast for 57 km (35 mi), the other starting in the south of
Stratford, tearing a path southeast for 31 km (19 mi). An F0
satellite tornado accompanied the Woodstock tornado for up to 21 km (13 mi). The storms killed two and injured more than 150, while 480 houses were left uninhabitable.
August 8 - a tornado touched down in
Regina, Saskatchewan, causing damage in the northwest end of the city. Two tornadoes were spotted that day, with one reaching F2 status, but this was unconfirmed.[528]
May 25 - two F1 tornadoes hit near
Aden and
Cereal, Alberta. An F0 was also confirmed near Hilda.[529]
May 25 - four tornadoes were confirmed, three being rated as F1 in strength. They hit near the communities of
Creelman,
Carnduff and
Bellegarde, Saskatchewan. The other tornado, an F0, was confirmed near
Dubuc. No major damage was reported.[529]
May 31 - a late afternoon F0 tornado touched down, leaving a 26 km (16 mi) path of damage from
Georgetown to
Woodbridge, Ontario. No injuries were reported, but the damage cost was an estimated $900,000.[529]
June 23 - three F1 tornadoes touched down in east central Saskatchewan near the towns of
Invermay,
Francis and
Ebenezer. No major damage was reported.[529]
July 15 - an F0 tornado hit near the town of
Wellesley, Ontario, 28 km (17 mi) northwest of
Kitchener, leaving a 1.5 km (0.93 mi) path and causing approximately $50,000 in damage. No injuries were reported.[529]
July 16 - an evening F1 tornado struck the town of
LaSalle, Ontario, damaging property along a 6.3 km (3.9 mi) path. No injuries were reported, but the damage cost was an estimated $500,000.[529]
July 22 - a rare F0 tornado was confirmed, touching down near the town of
Roseway, Nova Scotia.[529]
August 11 - two F0 tornadoes touched down in
Southern Ontario, the first confirmed near
North Woodslee. The second touched down in
Port Dover, leaving an estimated $20,000 of damage along a 2.5 km (1.6 mi) path.[529]
August 14 - the province was hit with five tornadoes, the largest given an F2 rating and touching down in
London. It was on the ground for approximately 3.2 km (2.0 mi) and caused an estimated $100,000 in damage. The other four tornadoes were given F0 ratings and touched down in
Eastern Ontario, near the towns of
Springfield,
Meath,
Kirk Cove and
Stanleyville.[529]
August 15 -
Prince Edward Island experienced a rare F0 tornado, touching down near Strathgartney and leaving a 4.6 km (2.9 mi) path.[529]
September 2 - an F2 tornado was one of three confirmed in the province of Ontario, touching down near
Jarratt. An F1 also touched down in
South Lancaster, and an F0 was confirmed near Houghton Centre.[529]
September 22 - six tornadoes touched down in
Ontario, causing upwards of $750,000 in damage. Two F1 tornadoes were confirmed in
Woodbridge and
Blenheim, and four F0 tornadoes touched down in
Stratford,
Primrose,
Mariposa and
Lakefield. No injuries were reported.[529]
September 25 - an F2 tornado hit near
Teeswater, Ontario, and was on the ground for over 10 km (6.2 mi).[529]
March 30 - two early season tornadoes were confirmed in
Southern Ontario. An F1 tornado touched down near
Bothwell, and an F0 hit near
Hickson. No injuries were reported.[529]
June 5 - two tornadoes hit the province of
Alberta near the towns of
Landonville and
Clandonald. They were given ratings of F1 and F0, respectively.[529]
July 8 - a strong F2 tornado touched down in the community of
Scotchtown, New Brunswick, causing an estimated
C$10,000 in damage. No injuries were reported.[529]
July 19 - three F0 tornadoes cut across
Ontario, one leaving a 9.7 km (6.0 mi) path near
Thornhill. The other two touched down near
Maple and
Arden.[529]
September 10 - three tornadoes touched down in
Eastern Ontario in the early evening hours. The strongest, an F1, hit near
Shannonville, leaving a 12.8 km (8.0 mi) path. The other two were given F0 ratings and touched down on
Howe Island, and near
Adolphustown.[529]
June 15 - four tornadoes were confirmed in
Southern Ontario, after active weather swept through the province. An F1 hit near
Strathroy, and three F0 tornadoes touched down near
Chatham,
Burford and
Port Burwell. The tornado near Burford was on the ground for approximately 11 kilometres (6.8 mi).[530]
June 30 - four strong tornadoes ripped through parts of
Alberta, with the strongest, an F3, destroying a farm 15 km (9.3 mi) southeast of
Rocky Mountain House. It also destroyed a mobile home, injuring one person, and left an estimated
C$500,000 in damages.[531] An F2 tornado also struck 24 km (15 mi) north of
Viking, and two F1 twisters were confirmed 12 km (7.5 mi) northeast of
Lacombe and near
Kinsella.[530]
July 14 - ten tornadoes were confirmed in Alberta after storms swept through the province. Six tornadoes were given F0 ratings and touched down near the communities of Jackfish Lake,
Benalto,
Sylvan Lake,
Wetaskiwin,
Sherwood Park and
Vegreville. The other four were given higher F1 ratings and struck near
Barrhead,
Duffield,
Stony Plain, and
Lacombe. No injuries were reported.[530]
July 16 - six tornadoes swept through Manitoba in the evening hours. They were all rated as F0 on the
Fujita Scale and touched down near the communities of
Emerson,
Hadashville,
Melita, St. Alphonse and
Morden. The sixth was confirmed 32 kilometres (20 mi) southwest of
Portage la Prairie.[530]
July 18 - an F0 tornado touched down near Lucky Lake, Alberta.[530]
July 18 - an F0 tornado was confirmed near Crows Landing, Ontario.[530]
May 2 - seven tornadoes touched down in
Southern Ontario, mainly in
Lambton County and
Toronto. It caused C$22.2 million in damages and injured 14 people; no fatalities occurred.[529][532]
Walpole Island saw an F2 tornado, which injured one person. It lasted 15 km (9.3 mi) on the ground and caused C$1 million in damages.[529][532]
Reece's Corners had the strongest tornado, rated an F4. 13 people were injured and many more left homeless. The F4 tornado was on the ground for 30 km (19 mi), and was up to 400 m (1,300 ft) in width. Damages were
C$20.0 million,[529] with 15 to 25 buildings destroyed. Winds topped out near 400 km/h (250 mph).[532]
Kettleby was hit with an F2 tornado that lasted 10.5 km (6.5 mi) on the ground; no major damage or injuries were reported.[529][532]
Rexdale, an informally-defined district of Toronto, saw three F0s. They lasted on the ground from 5.87 to 9.93 km (3.65 to 6.17 mi). One caused C$1.2 million in damages. No injuries were reported.[529]
June 18 - a tornado struck
Eastern Ontario near the town of
Westport. It severely damaged a small group of buildings.
June 22 - an F2 tornado struck near
Warren, Manitoba. It stayed on the ground for 31.7 km (19.7 mi). Another F1 also struck nearby.[512]
June 29 - ten tornadoes touched down across Alberta after a stationary front collided with a low pressure system and a cold front. The strongest was an F3 tornado that touched down near
Athabasca, destroying granaries and farm equipment. One person suffered serious injuries.[512] An F2 also touched down north of
Westlock. Seven F1s touched down in or near the towns of
Rocky Rapids,
Stony Plain,
Wabamun,
Busby,
Abee,
Foremost, and
Minburn. Two F0s were also spotted near
Lesser Slave Lake and
Baptiste Lake.
July 15 - tornadoes touched down in the Pontiac and
Gatineau, Quebec, regions, including an F3 north of
Pembroke, Ontario, that killed one person and caused $2 million in damages.[536] Many buildings were damaged, and cottages completely destroyed. 38 people were injured by flying debris.[537]
August 14 - an F1 tornado hit the north part of
Toronto, Ontario, causing millions in damage.[537]
September 2 - six confirmed tornadoes touched down in
Ontario, known as the Southwest Ontario Tornado Outbreak of 1984. Most were near the city of
London. 30 people were injured.
May 31 - an F4 tornado hit
Barrie, Ontario, becoming known as the
1985 Barrie tornado. It was part of the bigger
1985 United States–Canada tornado outbreak. There were 14 confirmed tornado touchdowns in the province. Twelve people were killed, eight in Barrie alone, and hundreds injured. The tornado destroyed more than 300 buildings, and damaged another 100, leaving 800 homeless. The cost was estimated at over $100 million. Another four people were killed by a second F4 tornado that struck close to
Grand Valley,
Orangeville and
Tottenham. That tornado had a touchdown path length of over 100 km (62 mi). Another confirmed F0 tornado hit the
Leamington area, as part of the outbreak.
September 7 - a tornado touched down near
Big Rideau Lake, Ontario. The storm killed one person when it overturned a houseboat cruising on the lake.[538]
June 1 - three tornadoes touched down in
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. There were no official ratings given for the tornadoes, although some damage indicated F3 strength winds. Roofs were thrown off houses and a warehouse was destroyed. No one was injured, and damage was estimated at over $1 million.
June 16 - severe storms produced an F3 tornado that travelled from
Brady Lake to
Maynooth, Ontario. Two other tornadoes were also reported.[539]
June 16 - an F3 tornado was confirmed near Lac Gareau, Quebec. It severely damaged summer chalets and overturned a truck. Two other tornadoes were reported further east. This was from the same weather system that had affected Ontario earlier in the day.[539]
June 18 - two tornadoes touched down near
High Prairie, Alberta, tossing farm equipment and tearing the roof off a house.[540] A third tornado, an F2, grazed the outskirts of
Provost, causing $100,000 in damages.[512]
June 30 - one tornado touched down near
Stirling, Alberta near
Lethbridge, and another tore through
Cayley, 60 km (37 mi) south of
Calgary. They destroyed a storage shed, tossed a van across the yard, and hurled a large horse against a barbed wire fence. No injuries were reported.[542]
July 29 - an F1 tornado struck north of
Grande Cache, Alberta. It was on the ground for 5.64 km (3.51 mi) and had a max width of 310 meters.
July 30 - an F1 tornado touched down in the
Castle Downs neighborhood in
Edmonton,
Alberta, one day before a devastating F4 damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings on the east side of the city. A second F1 also touched down in the town of
Nisku.[512]
July 31 - one of Canada's deadliest tornadoes, an F4, ripped through the eastern part of
Edmonton, and parts of neighbouring
Leduc County and
Strathcona County. Known as the
Edmonton tornado, it left 27 dead and 253 injured. It was the second deadliest tornado in Canadian history. Environment Canada has been under scrutiny in recent years as to whether or not the Edmonton Tornado should've been rated F5 or not. Seven other tornadoes were also confirmed around in the
Edmonton Area and
Central Alberta on the same day; a F1 in southeast Edmonton, F2 near
Beaumont, and an F2 between
Millet and
Vegreville that caused $40,000 in damages. The last four were given an F0 rating.[546][547][548]
June 5 - eight tornadoes touched down around Alberta as storms tore through the province. Two F0s touched down south of
Mundare and southeast of
Elkwater. Five F1s were confirmed east of
Okotoks, north of
Tofield, between
Olds and
Didsbury, south of
Ryley, and south of
Clive. The strongest of the day, an early-morning F2, also touched down near the
Saddle Lake Reserve.[549]
June 19 - eight tornadoes touched down over central Saskatchewan, with winds gusting up to 130 km/h (81 mph). Hail also shredded crops near
Blaine Lake.
July 27 - a series of severe thunderstorms spawned an F1 tornado in the east end of
Edmonton,
Alberta.[529][512] The tornado injured two people, and damaged buildings and uprooted trees and power lines. It caused $500,000 in damages.[529][551]
August 14 - three tornadoes touched down in the province of
New Brunswick. One hit the town of Carlisle, where trees were uprooted and a barn was destroyed. 22 out of 24 glass storm windows stored inside the barn were left undamaged.
August 28 -
Southern Ontario was hit by three tornadoes, in an outbreak associated with the
1990 Plainfield tornado. The strongest was an F3, which hit near the
Port Stanley area, destroying 10 homes in Frome, and barns near
St. Thomas and
Delaware, killing several horses. An F2 tornado also struck
Komoka, near
London, destroying a church. An F1 tornado touched down near the small town of
Kendal, just north of
Newtonville. Only six minor injuries were reported.[553]
1991
March 27 - an early season tornado struck
Sarnia, Ontario, causing over $25 million in damage.[554]
August 27 - an F3 tornado touched down in the
Mauricie region. The town of
Maskinongé was hardest hit among three communities, with 60% of its buildings damaged. Fifteen people were injured and the estimated damage cost was upwards of $25 million.[556]
1992
June 22 - tornadoes touched down across southern Manitoba, including two F1s near
Winkler and an F0 in
St. Claude.[512]
June 24 - tornadoes, large hail and torrential downpours affected
southern Manitoba. Tennis ball sized hail fell near
Morden and winds gusting to 154 km/h (96 mph) were recorded at
Pilot Mound. There were seven confirmed tornado touchdowns and numerous
funnel clouds in Manitoba that day. There was some very crisp video footage of one F0 rope tornado traversing farmland near
Kelwood. Ground scouring occurred and a hydraulic filter pipe was carried 600 yards (550 m) before being embedded about 5 feet (150 cm) into ground.[557][558][559] The region had been affected by severe weather the day before as well.[560]
June 12 - four tornadoes touched down across Manitoba as intense thunderstorms ripped through the area. The strongest, an F1, touched down west of
Brookdale. Three F0s also touched down near
Birtle,
Fisher Branch, and
Alexander.[561]
June 22 - three weak tornadoes touched down in Manitoba. Two F0s touched down near
Gladstone, Manitoba, and an F1 touched down west of
Shell River.[562]
July 9 - an F1 tornado touched down in
West Nipissing, Ontario, and travelled east for 15 km (9.3 mi). Originally rated F2, this tornado was downgraded after survey teams discovered the houses that had been destroyed were mobile homes, not wood-framed houses.[563]
July 29 - a series of violent thunderstorms tracked across
Central Alberta, spawning three tornadoes. The strongest of these was an F3 in
Holden, 90 km (56 mi) east of Edmonton. An F0 touched down in near
Falun, east of
Pigeon Lake, and an F1 tornado was reported 60 km (37 mi) northeast of
Lac La Biche.
June 30 - an F2 tornado hit southeast of
Kenora, Ontario, destroying boats, blowing apart cottages, and uprooting trees.
July 9 - one person was killed when an F2 tore through the town of
Saint-Charles-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Three other people were injured, and about a dozen homes were damaged.
July 10 - an F4 tornado tore through Birtle, Manitoba, which tracked for 29.4 km. The tornado destroyed several farm houses and barns, injuring 2 during its lifetime.
August 4 - an F3 tornado touched down in
Aylmer, Quebec, across the river from
Ottawa, injuring 15 people. The tornado path was 8 km (5.0 mi) long and caused major damage to a downtown residential subdivision, including homes destroyed. A second tornado had previously touched down just across the
Ottawa River in
Carp. In Quebec, other tornadoes touched down near
Laurel and
Rawdon.[566][567]
August 27 - a F4 tornado hit rural farmland near
Turtle Mountain, Manitoba. Devastation was especially visible at Mayfair
Hutterite Colony, and there was well over $1 million in damage. There were no injuries or deaths.
1995
June 20 - thunderstorms rumbled for seven hours over Manitoba, producing 90 km/h (56 mph) winds which blew trees and power lines over. The storm produced a weak tornado.
July 15 - a large progressive
derecho thunderstorm produced severe winds over an expansive area of the central
Great Lakes and
New England overnight. It also contained at least six tornadoes that hit
Central Ontario, most centred on or north of the
Kawartha Lakes. The strongest was an F2 tornado that destroyed a marina at
Bridgenorth and overturned a houseboat on
Lake Chemong, trapping 20 occupants for a few hours until they were rescued, just north of
Peterborough. One person was killed in Bridgenorth.
July 15 - an F3 tornado touches down just west of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. The tornado touched down near Pointe Des Chenes campground and moved through a heavily wooded area downing all trees in its path. The tornado then demolished 3 seasonal camps two of which were completely destroyed. 3 houses suffered significant damage, one house had the entire second floor ripped a part. The tornado would also rip the entire roof off one house well another house had its roof ripped off and the front exterior wall demolished.
July 26 - a tornado in
Fredericton, New Brunswick, took the roof off a government building and damaged a tennis court dome.
May 20 - a strong thunderstorm damaged one of the four screens of a drive-in theatre at
Thorold, Ontario, in the
Niagara Region. Coincidentally, this drive-in was planning to show the movie Twister that evening. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a small funnel cloud, but the physical evidence was inconclusive. Distorted and exaggerated media reports of this event abound; most claimed that the storm blew down the screen while Twister was being shown on it. The storm actually took place before sundown. However, a small tornado did touch down in
Stoney Creek that same evening.
July 4 - an estimated nine tornadoes touched down in the
Saskatoon,
Maymont and
Osler, Saskatchewan, areas. An F3 was measured in the Maymont area, destroying power lines. Homes and property were damaged in the Osler area. Wind gusts in Saskatoon reached 120 km/h (75 mph) and 141 km/h (88 mph), damaging many trees and properties on the east end of the city. A drive-in theatre and a nightclub on the eastern outskirts of the city were also heavily damaged; ironically, the movie that was going to be shown at the drive-in that night was Twister.
June 24 -
Lantz, Nova Scotia, F0 tornado touched down in a local ball field at approximately 4:45 pm
ADT (
UTC−03:00). Golf ball sized hail and intense lightning were also reported with this storm.
July 4 - an F2 tornado touched down near
Grand Falls, New Brunswick. A roof was torn off a building, and farmers' fields were ripped up. The same line of storms also dropped an F2 tornado in
Matapédia (New Brunswick/Quebec border), where a couple of barns were destroyed.
1998
June 2 - during a wider severe weather outbreak (
derecho thunderstorm) that struck
Southern Ontario in the mid-afternoon, an F1 tornado descended near Holbrook around 3:50 pm EDT (UTC−04:00) and travelled southeastward to
Norwich, damaging many buildings, including a church. There were also tornado reports in
Elmvale and
Dunnville, and several reports of funnel clouds, hail, and high winds.
July 10 - an F2 tornado touched down in Charleston, New Brunswick, leaving a 90 m (300 ft) by 7 km (4.3 mi) path of damage. A mobile home was thrown 30 m (98 ft) and totally destroyed. There were minor injuries to the residents in the home.
July 19 - a weak tornado hit
Daysland, Alberta, about 50 km (31 mi) east of
Camrose. It damaged power lines, knocking out power to surrounding communities.
August 11 - a small F1 tornado went through part of
Saint-Émile, Quebec City, in the suburbs of
Quebec City. It overturned a shed and caused a citywide electricity loss when a garage was slammed into an electric pole.
1999
May 8 - a tornado over
Hull, Quebec, caused $2M damage and tore roofs off buildings. It was caused by the same system that produced the
1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak between May 3 and May 8. It was the second significant tornado in the
Hull-Gatineau area in five years.
May 18 - three tornadoes touched down close to the western limits of
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The supercell associated with the tornadoes pelted the city with quarter-sized hail, wind gusts of nearly 100 km/h (62 mph), and over 51 mm (2 in) of rain fell from the half-hour storm.
July 3 - an F2 tornado north of
Kimberley, Ontario, destroyed barns, damaged farmhouses, and uprooted or snapped hundreds of trees.[570]
August 4 - an F2 tornado with a twisting but narrow path caused damage in the rural north end of
Burlington, Ontario, relocating a
motorhome 2 km (1.2 mi) from where it was parked. The tornado track was over 10 km (6.2 mi) long.
August 18 - a small tornado struck
Pugwash, Nova Scotia, causing some localized structural damage. There were no serious injuries.
May 5 - an F0 tornado was confirmed near Hazzards Corners, Ontario, 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of
Madoc. It left a 10 km (6.2 mi) long path, causing minor damage to a house and knocking over approximately 100 trees.[571]
May 9 - two
anticyclonic tornadoes touched down in
Southern Ontario, causing minor damage. The first was given an F0 rating, and occurred north of
Amherstburg. Multiple trees were knocked over along a 7 km (4.3 mi) path. The second tornado, an F1, touched down in Malden Centre. It tore the roof from a storage shed, and knocked over a large shipping container along a 1 km (0.62 mi) path. No injuries were reported with either storm.[572]
May 23 - an F2 tornado touched down near
Appin, Ontario, damaging a pig barn and killing several pigs. Multiple homes also sustained damage, and
hydro poles were snapped. No injuries were reported.[571]
May 24 - a confirmed F1 tornado hit
Gloucester, Ontario, a suburb within the city of
Ottawa. It snapped trees, tore the roof off a house and ripped the canopy from a gas station.[573]
June 22 - an F0 tornado was confirmed near the town of
Quyon, Quebec.[544]
July 14 - an F3 tornado struck Green Acres Campground in
Pine Lake, Alberta. Known as the
Pine Lake tornado, it killed 12 people and caused over $13 million in damage. It was ranked as the fourth deadliest tornado in Canadian history.
July 17 - three tornadoes were confirmed in
Ontario after several
supercell thunderstorms developed over the province. An F2 tornado formed over the city of
Guelph, lasting approximately 23 minutes and leaving a path of damage 13 km (8.1 mi) long. Damage was estimated at over $2 million and one minor injury was reported. The same storm also produced a second, unrated tornado near
Waterdown.[574] The third tornado, an F1, occurred in
Simcoe County, near the town of
Melduf. It snapped and uprooted trees, and caused minor crop damage. An aluminum shed was destroyed.[575]
July 23 - an F3 tornado touched down and destroyed one home and tossed farm equipment near
Marwayne, Alberta, 35 km (22 mi) northwest of
Lloydminster.[576]
July 24 - a tornado outbreak in southern
Manitoba spawned at least 4 confirmed tornadoes, including a large tornado which touched down for 10 minutes, from 6:10 pm to 6:20 pm, 5 km (3.1 mi) west of
Brunkild, Manitoba. The Brunkild tornado did not hit anything, resulting in an F0 rating. The other confirmed tornadoes were located north of
Elm Creek, Manitoba (4:22 pm), 3 km (1.9 mi) north of
Brookdale, Manitoba(5:19 pm), west of
Neepawa, Manitoba(5:50 pm) and south of
Plum Coulee, Manitoba (6:08 pm).[577]
July 26 - a tornado touched down briefly near
Wabamun, Alberta, about 70 km (43 mi) west of
Edmonton, causing minor damage.[578]
August 6 - a tornado touched down near
Elnora, Alberta, southeast of Pine Lake. The tornado occurred while people were gathering for a memorial service in Pine Lake for those who died in the Pine Lake tornado just a few weeks earlier.
August 9 - an F1 tornado touched down near
Tilbury, Ontario, destroying a barn and causing heavy damage to two farmhouses. No injuries were reported.[573]
^NTP Archive (July 25, 1890).
"Millgrove". Michael Newark Digital Tornado Archive.
^
abcOx Trails to Blacktop(PDF). Oak Lake, Manitoba: Oak Lake History Committee. 1982. pp. 51, 126–127, 342, 363.
Archived(PDF) from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
^"Wind Storm at Gladstone". The News and Alberta Irrigationist. August 1, 1901.
Archived from the original on October 3, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
^Government of Canada, Public Safety Canada (September 13, 2013).
"Canadian Disaster Database". publicsafety.gc.ca.
Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
^CraigBaird (February 18, 2021).
"The History of Claresholm". Canadian History Ehx.
Archived from the original on October 3, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
^Government of Canada, Public Safety Canada (September 13, 2013).
"Canadian Disaster Database". publicsafety.gc.ca.
Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
^Government of Canada, Public Safety Canada (September 13, 2013).
"Canadian Disaster Database". publicsafety.gc.ca.
Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
^"Built to Last"(PDF). Elgin.ca. Archived from
the original(PDF) on December 12, 2013. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
^Government of Canada, Public Safety Canada (September 13, 2013).
"Canadian Disaster Database". publicsafety.gc.ca.
Archived from the original on August 16, 2016. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
This page lists
tornadoes and
tornado outbreaks which have touched down in
Canada prior to the
21st century. On average, there are around 80 confirmed and unconfirmed tornadoes that touch down in Canada each year, with most occurring in the southern
Canadian Prairies,
Southern Ontario and southern
Quebec. Canada ranks as the country with the second most tornadoes per year, after the US. The most common types are F0 to F2 in damage intensity level and usually result in minor structural damage to barns, wood fences,
roof shingles, chimneys, uprooted or snapped tree limbs and downed power lines. Fewer than 5% of tornadoes in Canada are rated F3 or higher in intensity, where wind speeds are in excess of 225 km/h (140 mph). Prior to April 1, 2013, Canada used a slightly modified
Fujita scale, and as of that date the
Enhanced Fujita scale, again slightly modified, was put into use to rate tornado intensity, based on the damage to buildings and vegetation.[1]
Each year on average, about 43 tornadoes occur across the
Canadian Prairies and about 17 occur across
Ontario and
Quebec.[2]New Brunswick and the
British Columbia Interior are also recognized tornado zones. All other
provinces and territories have significantly less threat from tornadoes. The peak season in Canada is through the summer months, (June to August), when clashing air masses move north, as opposed to the spring season in the United States southern-central plains, although tornadoes in Canada have occurred in spring, fall and very rarely winter.
The reported increase in numbers of tornadoes in recent years may reflect more reporting by citizens and media involvement rather than an actual increase in tornado occurrence (although some natural increase has not been ruled out), in addition to better detection technology i.e.
Dopplerweather radar and
satellite imagery. The upswing could also be attributed to other factors, such as improved aerial and ground damage assessment after the fact in sparsely populated areas (particularly the case in remote parts of the Canadian Prairies and
Northern Ontario, for example), better trained spotter capabilities and increased use of digital recording devices by citizens. Tornadoes in Canada are enough of a threat for a
public warning system to be in place, overseen by the national weather agency,
Environment Canada (EC).
For a variety of reasons, such as Canada's lower population density and generally stronger housing construction due to the colder climate, Canadian tornadoes have historically caused fewer fatalities than tornadoes in the United States. The deadliest tornado in Canadian history, the
Regina Cyclone of June 30, 1912, killed 28 and injured 300. Urban centres are not immune from the threat of severe tornadoes. Twelve medium to large size Canadian cities have been hit by significant strength tornadoes (F3 or higher), which caused large-scale damage and fatalities:
Toronto (1868);
Regina (1912);
Windsor (1946 and 1974);
Sarnia (1953);
LaSalle (1956);
Sudbury (1970);
Woodstock (1979);
Lloydminster (1983);
Barrie (1985);
Edmonton (1987);
Aylmer (1994); and
Ottawa-Gatineau (1888 and 2018).
June 30 or July 1 - the first recorded tornado in Canadian history, an F2, affected the
Niagara Peninsula between
Fonthill and
Port Robinson, Ontario. It levelled houses and uprooted many trees. The tornado cut a path of trees in a west to east line from both communities that became known as "Hurricane Road", which still exists today.[3][4][5]
June 27 - an unrated tornado struck
Eastern Ontario in the area of
Drummond Centre, Ontario. The tornado destroyed barns and houses, carrying some far distances. An unroofed brick house was carried off its foundation. A strong stone house was partly destroyed. Trees on the third and fourth concession of Drummond Township were uprooted and damaged.[9]
1829
Late May - an F0 tornado struck and destroyed the early settlement of
Guelph, Ontario. Development on the settlement was slow to begin afterwards with some recalling little progress in the next three years following the tornado.[5][10][11][12]
1831
June 26 - an unrated tornado struck
Montreal, Quebec, carrying the roof off the western tower of the New Catholic Parish Church and depositing on Notre Dame Street. Construction material was tossed around and various houses were destroyed. Damage was also done on Guy Street.[13]
September 5 - an F2 tornado and a probable tornado struck
Ontario and
Quebec. The F2 tornado struck
Cornwall, Ontario, and near
Lancaster, Ontario. The tornado started near
Massena, New York, before crossing the
St. Lawrence River. The tornado was spotted crossing the river from
Long Sault, Ontario. In
Cornwall, Ontario, the tornado did significant damage to structures with the tornado destroying 3 houses, unroofing 8, and damaging another 9 or so. As for out-houses, the tornado destroyed 11, unroofed 13, and damaged many more. Debris was carried up to the three miles away. A young girl was thrown into the
Cornwall Canal and drowned, while her brother and another man escaped without injury. The tornado approached the
St. Lawrence River near
Lancaster, Ontario, where it destroyed several other buildings and injured two.[17][18] The probable tornado struck
Saint-Édouard, Quebec, two hours after the first tornado. The storm lasted 50 minutes which is far longer than a normal tornado, however, the damage caused was the destruction of 57 buildings of various kinds. This tornado is listed as probable as the description is not fully clear on the event but the significant damage caused seems far greater than a
downburst.[19]
July 5 - an F3 tornado touched down over
Lake Scugog, spending nearly 12 minutes over the water, before moving south into
Cartwright Township, Ontario. Trees were snapped and twisted off while fences were blown down. Hail the size of hen's eggs occurred on the outskirts of the tornado. Into eastern
Darlington Township, Ontario, an entire forest was destroyed with hail larger than the previous size. A vast majority of livestock in the area were killed. Significant damage was done to homes and barns, alongside crops. The tornado was half a mile wide and tracked for 14 miles in length. Various people were injured with a range of severity.[23] The towns of
Manchester, Ontario,
Enniskillen, Ontario, and
Haydon, Ontario, suffered greatly.[24]
September 10 - an F1 tornado touched down near
Kemptville, Ontario, resulting in some minor tree damage. The tornado continued eastward before striking
Mountain, Ontario, and
Winchester, Ontario, where trees were damaged, homes were unroofed, and fences were destroyed.[36][37]
August 5 - an unrated tornado struck
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, destroying trees and property. At least two people drown while a vessel with seven on board capsized. It is unknown if all on board died.[39]
May 26 - an F1 tornado touched down near
Aurora, Ontario, and passed into
Gormley, Ontario. The tornado caused extensive damage. This tornado is likely underrated.[42]
May 24 - an unrated tornado touched down north of
Brantford, Ontario, before moving southeast to the east of Brantford. The tornado did considerable amounts of damage to fences, barns, and homes in the area. The tornado did not appear more than 60 feet wide. At times, there were two distinct paths of damage in close proximity that would reunite into a single path.[44]
October 6 - two F0 tornadoes touched down in
Ontario. The first tornado touched down near
Erin, Ontario, while the second tornado caused damage in
Rama, Ontario.[52][53]
September 14 - an F0 tornado touched down near
Brampton, Ontario, as a complex of severe thunderstorms passed over
Southwestern Ontario. Additional tornadoes may have occurred.[58]
July 20 - two probable tornadoes touched down in
British Columbia. The first tornado touched down along the
Quesnel River in the valley, near
Quesnel, British Columbia. The tornado was strong enough to knock over 18-inch in diameter trees and carry them long distances.[67] A second tornado touched down near
Williams Creek, British Columbia, carrying light materials some distance.[68] These two tornadoes are only probable as they do mention smoke and fire with both situations, but if severe thunderstorms did cross a forest fire area and produce a tornado, the vortex could be able to spin up the smoke alongside carry debris and cause damage as described in the articles.
Weeks before August 21 (on a Sunday) - one strong tornado or two smaller tornadoes touched down in
Southwestern Ontario. The source indicates that a tornado started a few miles west of
Woodstock, Ontario, and crossed through the city. The tornado caused immense damage, destroying over 740 panes of glass from the Canada Institute building, uprooting trees and levelling barns and sheds in "East Woodstock". The source discusses a second tornado through
Middlesex County, Ontario, which may have been the origin for the first tornado. The description of this tornado claims that forests, fences, houses, and everything else were knocked down in the path of the tornado.[29]
July 16 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Montreal, Quebec. It only lasted five minutes and destroyed everything in its path. There was one unconfirmed death.[73]
June 7 - an unrated tornado struck
Kemptville, Ontario. The tornado was short-lived and destroyed about $25,000 worth of property. Many buildings were destroyed including barns, sheds, stables, homes, and shops.[88]
May 8 or 9 - an unrated probable tornado struck
Flos Township, Ontario, resulting in tree damaged, blown down fences, and damaged roofs. There is some uncertainty regarding whether or not this was a tornadic event given it mentions significant snowfall during the event.[90]
April 14 - an unrated tornado
Kingston, Ontario, causing significant damage in the city. Many buildings were demolished including a four-story building. Damage was most significant along Princess Street.[98]
August 16 - an unrated tornado struck
Goderich, Ontario, during the morning hours. The tornado twisted the tops of fruit trees, stripped roofs of their shingles, and lofted debris into the air.[107]
July 29 - a probable tornado struck
Port Burwell, Ontario, destroying trees, fences, and chimneys. Based on the description of the event, this could have been caused by a
downburst, however, the article claims a tornado.[112]
June 2 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Canada, specific location unknown. The tornado blew down outhouses, uprooted trees, and killed livestock. Two men were killed.[117]
July 28 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Exeter, Ontario, causing a considerable amount of destruction. Hotels, churches, and houses were ripped apart with many other buildings sustaining roof damage.[128]
September 9 - an F0 tornado did considerable damage to many properties in
Newburgh, Ontario.[129]
1884
May 15 - three tornadoes touched down in Ontario. The first tornado was unrated and touched down in
Woodstock, Ontario, resulting in structural and tree damage in the southern end of town.[130] The second tornado, an F0, touched down just south of
Elora, Ontario, and moved between
Speedside, Ontario, and
Oustic, Ontario. The tornado destroyed barns, fences, and stables.[131] The third tornado, also an F0, touched down near
Goldstone, Ontario, and continued east to
Alma, Ontario, and
Orton, Ontario. The tornado caused significant damage to many farmsteads. The tornado damaged a church and cemetery in
Mapleton, Ontario. This tornado was likely underrated with some documentation listing it as a suspected F4 tornado.[132]
June 24 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Shell River, Manitoba, resulting in considerable damage.[133]
August 27 - at least one tornado struck between
Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and
Winnipeg, Manitoba, resulting in unroofed buildings and crop damage. The first tornado struck
Winnipeg causing significant damage to buildings. This tornado may have touched down outside of the city in the rural landscape to the west. The Weekly British Whig states that damage to some of the provincial towns was also severe with heavy crop damage while the Victoria Daily British Colonist states that the damage was in a narrow path with weak crop damage. Because of the difference in the event descriptions and the distance between
Portage la Prairie and
Winnipeg, it is assumed that there was likely at least one tornado with the possibility of more tornadoes that touched down.[135][136]
1885
Week before May 30 - an unrated small tornado struck north
Winnipeg, Manitoba, destroying half a dozen homes and injuring many.[137] The tornado briefly became a waterspout when it crossed the river.[138]
August 28 - an unrated tornado struck the
Muskoka District, Ontario, near
Skeleton Lake, Ontario, causing a path of destruction. Trees were uprooted while roofs were lifted off of barns and homes. Two children were killed by falling trees.[139]
April 1 - a small and probable tornado struck
Vancouver Island, specific location unknown. The tornado caused minor tree and telegraph line damage.[141]
July 16 - an unrated tornado passed through
Onondaga, Ontario, south of
Ohsweken, Ontario. The tornado demolished fences and uprooted trees before damaging an outbuilding.[142]
August 23 - an unrated tornado struck
London, Ontario, and
Ingersoll, Ontario, destroying numerous buildings, a large chimney from a Bell mill, and the roof of a gas works. Significant damage to trees, chimneys, and structures was also reported north of London.[143][144]
May 19 - an unrated tornado struck the camps of Rochester and Dorerty near
Antoine Creek, Ontario, resulting in tree damage. Two people were injured with one being taken to the hospital in
Mattawa, Ontario.[159]
July 21 - an unrated tornado passed through
Deloraine, Manitoba, with no further information provided.[160]
June 11 - an F0 tornado hit
Milton, Ontario, destroying fences and buildings. The tornado was 50 yards wide and extended for two miles across first, second, and third concessions of
Esquesing Township.[166][167][168]
September 1 or 8 - an unrated tornado struck
Mount Forest, Ontario, coming from the southwest and moving towards the northeast with a funnel. The tornado caused tree damage and destroyed the roofs on one or two buildings. Significant damage was done in the country after it passed through the community.[184]
1892
April 25 - an unrated tornado struck
Onondaga Township, Ontario, destroying everything moveable. Due to the lack of information and the referral of a 'Dakota cyclone', this is only a probable tornado.[185]
Few days before April 28 (likely April 25) - an unrated tornado struck
Belleville, Ontario, causing buildings to be blown into pieces with extensive damage done.[186]
June 12 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Port Arthur, Ontario, and
Fort William, Ontario, which now makes up the city of
Thunder Bay, Ontario. The tornado caused tree damage, destroyed telephone and telegraph wires, and wrecked a new building under construction.[188]
June 14 - at least two unrated tornadoes touched down in
Quebec and
Eastern Ontario, however, additional damage was reported which could result in upwards of six additional tornadoes. The first tornado hit
Sainte-Rose, Quebec, and
Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec. It is listed as the ninth deadliest tornado in Canadian history. Six people were killed and 26 injured.[189] Additional damage was reported in
Lachute, Quebec, where the path was nearly a mile wide, however, it is unclear from any sources whether this is the same tornado as the first one or a probable concurrent tornado.[190] The second tornado hit the
Township of Templeton, just east of the
Gatineau River causing significant tree damage. The tornado was half a mile wide.[191] Further east of both of these tornadoes, significant damage was reported in
Acton Vale, Quebec, and
Upton, Quebec, with a hundred homes destroyed and four deaths and a third tornado is probable.[192][190] Five additional areas of significant damage were reported across the region. These damage areas could have been from tornadoes or from strong straight-line winds/downbursts at the result of weaker building structures, however, based on the amount of damage caused, probable tornadoes seem likely. The significant damage was reported in
St. Johns, Quebec, where two buildings and a large barn were destroyed, over the
Île d'Orléans, Quebec, where various houses and barns were blown down, in
Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Quebec (just east of
Portneuf, Quebec) where a man died after falling off the roof of a barn they were repairing, over
Lac Saint-Jean where heavy damage was also reported, and in
Renfrew, Ontario, where a high school and six additional buildings were destroyed, including a home that was tossed more than 100 feet.[193][190][194][195]
July 10 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Douglas, Manitoba, killing one and levelling everything in its seven-mile path of destruction. The tornado was 100 yards wide. Cows, horses, and chickens were killed by the dozen.[199][200][201]
July 18 - two unrated tornadoes touched down in
Ontario, both causing damage. The first tornado, which is probable, struck
Hamilton, Ontario, destroying a pulp mill, killing two, and injuring many. A second tornado struck
Beaverton, Ontario, destroying many houses, stables, fences, and crops. A number of buildings were entirely demolished with several people injured.[207][208][209]
July 23 - an unrated tornado struck
Howard Township, Ontario, in
Kent County, Ontario, destroying barns, telegraph poles, fences, and trees. The tornado caused considerable damage on Howard Road and Talbot Street (present day
Ontario Highway 3). Fruit and grain were completely destroyed.[210]
July 29 - an F2 tornado passed touched down near
Ottawa, Ontario, before moving into
Quebec towards
Templeton, Quebec. This tornado passed through some the areas affected by the June 14th outbreak.[213]
August 9 - an unrated tornado and a probable tornado touched down in
Southwestern Ontario. The unrated tornado touched down near
Princeton, Ontario, before moving towards and just south of
Paris, Ontario. The tornado caused damage to telegraph lines and bridges, destroyed crops, and damaged buildings. Notable tree damage was reported throughout
Brantford, Ontario, but information is inconclusive to rule if this was part of the tornado or not. A probable tornado touched down in the vicinity of the
Region of Waterloo, Ontario, and
Oxford County, Ontario.[214][216][217][218]
August 17 - an unrated tornado touched down in
O'Leary, Prince Edward Island, destroying three houses near the railway station and five dwellings and two barns on North Road. One person was killed.[219][220]
December 3 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Montmorency, Quebec, destroying part of a church. Several barns and dwellings were destroyed.[223][224]
1893
April 4 - an unrated tornado struck parts of
Lethbridge, Alberta, resulting in damage. The front of a local store collapsed.[225]
April 20 - a probable tornado struck
Owen Sound, Ontario, destroying fences, sheds, and outhouses. The tornado unroofed barns and homes. There is a lack of concrete evidence regarding this tornado. The newspaper also discusses significant damage in the vicinity of
Mono Road, Ontario, which might be classified as a second probable tornado.[228]
May 22 - immense destruction was reported across
Ontario into
Quebec with sources indicating up to seven tornadoes. Various towns were impacted. The first tornado, an F2, touched down near
Aurora, Ontario. The tornado destroyed a church steeple and caused significant damage.[229] The second tornado, an F2, touched down near
Tilsonburg, Ontario, destroying an oatmeal mill, killing one. The tornado caused significant tree damage along
Ontario Highway 19 through to
Brantford, Ontario.[230] A third F2 tornado struck
Belleville, Ontario.[231] An unrated tornado destroyed circus tents, injuring one and killing one in
Perth, Ontario. A fifth tornado, unrated, struck
Ottawa, Ontario, destroying the St Jean Baptist School, killing a child and injuring another. Small towers on Bank Street collapsed. Several additional people were killed and injured. A sixth tornado occurred in
Montreal, Quebec, where various homes were completely destroyed while others only received minor damage. The tornado lofted debris to Rue Cathcart in the city.[232] A seventh tornado moved between
Delhi, Ontario, and
Windham Centre, Ontario. Additional damage was reported in
Orillia, Ontario, where a man was injured by a falling steeple, however, there was inconclusive evidence to support a tornado classification.[233][234][235]
May 30 - an unrated tornado struck
Nottawa, Ontario, removing the roof off a mill.[236]
July 9 - a waterspout touched down over
Lake Saint-Louis, Quebec, near
Montreal, Quebec. The tornado resulted in a boat capsizing and a man drowning. From the newspaper article, there is no indication that the waterspout made landfall.[237]
July 10 - an unrated tornado touched north of
Brandon, Manitoba. A dispatcher in
Brandon, Manitoba, reported that a cyclone touched down north of the city, demolishing several homes and barns. The storm took a southeast path, striking
Douglas, Manitoba, and
Carberry, Manitoba. A dispatcher in Douglas reported a cone-shaped cloud reaching the ground. Houses and stables were blown down while machinery was scattered across the farmland in this area. Additional damage was reported in
Chater, Manitoba.[238]
August 2 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, uprooting trees, flattening crops, and destroying the front of the provincial buildings. The tornado levelled the McKinnon's old tannery and other various buildings.[240]
1894
May 6 - an unrated tornado struck
Clinton, Ontario, shattering a few windows with debris.[241]
May 20 or May 27 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Montreal, Quebec. The tornado tore the roofs off several buildings.[242]
May 20 or May 27 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Huron County, Ontario. The tornado caused significant property damage and a considerable number of people died.[243]
September 18 - an unrated tornado struck
Clinton, Ontario. A flex mill was partly unroofed and wagons were overturned. Trees were uprooted and buildings were demolished.[245][246][247]
1895
May 4 - a small unrated tornado struck a few miles north of
Bagot, Manitoba. The tornado carried parts of a granary half a mile away. A kitchen was also moved off its foundation.[248]
June 3 - a small unrated tornado struck
Brokenhead, Manitoba, tearing the roof off several buildings.[249]
August 4 - an unrated tornado struck 3 miles east of
Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, causing significant damage near
Clarence, Nova Scotia, and
Paradise, Nova Scotia. While one of the sources states that the tornado was 3 miles east of
Bridgeport, Nova Scotia, the second and more detailed source indicates other communities such as Clarence and Paradise which are significantly closer to Bridgetown compared to Bridgeport. The tornado snapped and uprooted many shade and orchard trees, throwing them credible distances. Windows were shattered, chimneys fell, and fences were levelled. The top story of a barn was torn off and carried for over a mile with pieces of scantling being driven 3 feet into the ground. An additional house, barns, stables, and crops were also destroyed.[255][256]
September 11 - an F2 tornado touched down in
Kingston, Ontario, before crossing the
St. Lawrence River and impacting
Cape Vincent, New York. The tornado caused immense amounts of damage and killed two people. The probable tornado from September 23 in the Kingston area might actually have been the same tornado as this one.[257][258][259][260] There are some indications that the tornado (or a secondary one) may have touched down further west near
McIntyre, Ontario, causing little damage.[261]
May 25 - an F2 tornado touched down near
Windsor, Ontario, in the
Sandwich East district, resulting in destroyed houses, barns, machinery, fences, and trees. Many cattle and horses were killed, however, no notable deaths or injuries for humans.[263][264][265][266]
June 6 - a probable cyclone did considerable damage at the French village of Guion, thirty miles up the
Ottawa River. A village named "Guion" doesn't exist, but the next closest thing which matches the distance is the closely named
Quyon, Quebec. Unless further information is found, it can be assumed that the misspelling was a miscommunication.[267]
June 25 - a probable tornado touched down in
Windsor, Ontario, destroying and lifting off roofs, smashing windows, and damaging trees. Many chimneys were also blown down.[268][269]
August 10 - an F0 tornado touched down in
Amherstburg, Ontario, lifting the roof from the Lake View house and tossing it across the street. Various boats in the
Detroit River were overturned.[272] Significant damage was also reported in
Simcoe, Ontario, where the roof from a grand stand was carried around with more minor damage to fences and trees reported. There was also significant crop damage in this area which is more indictive of straight-line winds or a downburst unless new information can be found.[273][274]
August 26 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Flinton, Ontario. The tornado caused significant damage to homes, barns, and fences. Many trees were destroyed.[275]
1897
June 21 - an unrated tornado struck
Nicola, British Columbia, just northeast of
Merritt, British Columbia. The tornado snapped trees near Mill Creek which fell in the direction of Driard hotel.[276] There was initial question about the creditability of this report, but further research suggests that a Driard hotel did exist in Nicola with a Mill Creek Road also existing in the area, therefore, the report is classified as valid.
Within the week before July 20 - an unrated tornado struck between
Lothaire, Alberta and
Wheatland, Alberta, resulting in minor tree damage and a damaged barn roof.[286] The lack of information makes this event question whether it was actually a tornado, listed as 'probable' until further evidence is provided.
September 16 - an unrated tornado struck
Anderdon Township, Ontario, levelling telephone and telegraph lines, uprooting trees, and unroofing barns and homes. Multiple horses were killed during the storm.[287]
November 9 - an unrated tornado struck
Victoria, British Columbia, causing immense damage.[288] The lack of information makes this event question whether it was actually a tornado, listed as 'probable' until further evidence is provided.
Week before June 30 - an unrated tornado struck the now ghost town of
Percy, Assiniboia, which is just northeast of
Kisbey, Saskatchewan, killing one. The roof of a house was torn off.[291]
Before July 29 - a questionable tornado touched down near
Kingsville, Ontario, destroying 800 peach trees. The description of the damage depicts an event more similar to a
downburst. Additional information is need to determine the event classification.[293]
July 31 - an unrated tornado tracked south to north, just west of
Regina, Saskatchewan, destroying several telegraph poles.[294]
August 15 - two or three F0 tornadoes touched down in
Ontario. The first tornado touched down just south of
Marmora, Ontario. The second tornado struck
Derby Township. The third probable tornado, occurring in
Sarawak Township, may have been an extension to the second tornado, however, newspaper articles are unclear as whether or not these were two separate events.[295]
September 10 - an unrated tornado touched down over
Oil City, Ontario, destroying a number of mills and barns. Fences were blown down and trees torn up. Several people were injured by flying debris.[313]
1900s
1900
February 3 - an unrated questionable tornado destroyed twenty houses at
Lark Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador.[314][315][316][317][318] Based on the date of this tornado and terminology used in the 1900s, there is question as to whether this was another weather system or an actual tornado.
June 5 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Winnipeg, Manitoba, killing one and destroying numerous buildings and telephone communications.[319][320]
July 10 - an unrated tornado touched down south of
Manitou, Manitoba, destroying a barn, small house and a stables. Additional buildings were damaged. There were two injuries.[322]
July 26 - an unrated tornado struck near
Lyn, Ontario. No information has been found on the tornado besides a child dying from a lightning strike associated with the parent storm.[324] The lack of information on the actual tornado makes this questionable.
August 29 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Yorkton, Saskatchewan, destroying many roofs, a new brick house, and a stables.[350]
1902
May 12 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Holmesville, Ontario, levelling fences and blowing the roof of a barn.[351]
May 21 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Toronto, Ontario, damaging many trees, telegraph wires, fences, and signs. A church tower was overturned with numerous windows broken. There was at least one injury.[352]
May 21 - an unrated tornado touched down in the
Pleasant Point, Manitoba, and
Carberry, Manitoba, region, destroying buildings, trees, and shattering fences. The tornado was three miles in length and three to four hundred feet wide.[344][353][354]
Before July 16 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Laval, Quebec, near the
Doucet's Landing railway station, destroying ten houses.[355]
July 17 - an F4 tornado struck
Chesterville, Ontario, tracking northeastward. The tornado was fifty to sixty rods wide and tore dwellings and outbuildings into pieces. Several people were killed, at least five, and injured at a farm in the seventh concession of
Winchester, Ontario.[356][357][358][359]
August 3 - an unrated tornado touched down in
St. Catharines, Ontario, damaging various fruit farms and buildings.[360][361][362][363] A single source from three days after the event suggests that this tornado hit also hit
Fonthill, Ontario, however, based on the description from the previous sources, this is questionable. It would be possible that the damage in
Fonthill which is estimated at $25,000 in damages was from a second probable tornado.[364]
May 27 - multiple tornadoes touched down across
Southwestern Ontario. The first tornado, an F2, touched down near
Monkton, Ontario, before moving through
Mornington Township and ending near
Tralee, Ontario. The tornado started at the seventh concession and destroyed a silo before destroying a bush and large barn. A house was shifted eight feet of its foundation. A brick school house on 100th concession was completely wrecked with debris thrown over half a mile. There was one serious injury.[367] A second tornado, an F2, touched down near
Listowel, Ontario, and continued eastward towards
Elora, Ontario, unroofing part of a barn and throwing it 60 yards away.[368] A third tornado, an F1, touched down half a mile south of
Amherstburg, Ontario, were a drive-shed, new barn, and dwelling was destroyed. A person was carried several yards but remained uninjured.[369][370]
June 18 - an unrated tornado struck the side of
Mount Sicker, British Columbia, resulting in tree damage in all directions block railways.[371]
July 13 - an unrated small probable tornado struck
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, resulting in damage to roof and shed of the Methodist church. The Roman Catholic church was shifted a foot and small shacks were damaged across the area.[372] Based on the description of the event, there is question as to whether this was a tornado or not.
August 6 - an F1 tornado touched down two miles west of
Forest, Ontario, damaging various barns, windmills, and chimneys. Fences were levelled to the ground, windows shattered, and trees and crops destroyed. Damage was also town in the town of
Forest, Ontario, and throughout
Warwick Township, Ontario. Several people were injured.[375][376][377]
November 10 - an unrated tornado struck
Arrowhead, British Columbia, listing the Reid & Young store entirely off its foundation and throwing it twenty feet away. The tornado lasted only a couple seconds.[379]
1904
May 27 - an F1 tornado touched down in
Amherstburg, Ontario, resulting in damage to the Lakeview hotel. Tall smokestacks from the Electric Light and Power Company toppled over. The court house was partially wrecked.[380][381][382]
May 28 - an unrated tornado struck the southern portion of
Brandon, Manitoba, destroying the fair grounds and some small houses.[383]
June 10 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Carlyle, Saskatchewan, destroying stables, a skating rink, a kitchen and a hotel.[384]
Before July 14 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Brockville, Ontario, unroofing barns and damaging trees.[385]
July 15 - an unrated tornado passed near
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, cutting a 400 yard wide path through the country side. A stable was smashed and tossed half a mile. Numerous buildings near the stable were also damaged.[386]
July 6 - an F0 tornado touched down near
Barrie, Ontario, and in
Midhurst, Ontario. The tornado blew over and destroyed several barns. The property of
Charles Stewart (premier) was destroyed with the roof of the barn being blown off, the kitchen in the house being torn apart, and trees and fences also being destroyed.[388][389]
July 12 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Pine Lake, Alberta, southeast of
Red Deer, Alberta resulting in considerable damage to stock and farm property. The path could be tracked through the fields and through a forest, peaking at three to four rods wide. A house lost its roof, but buildings on each side were left untouched.[390][391][392]
July 15 - an unrated damaging tornado struck
Winnipeg, Manitoba, resulting in four deaths. The tornado tore up chimneys, building frames, and communication lines.[393] Many cattle died and six people were injured.[394]
June 8 - at least four unrated probable tornadoes touched down in
Ontario. The first probable tornado touched down in
Hamilton, Ontario, uprooting trees, damaging roofs, and destroying a sailboat.[399][400] A second probable tornado started near
Rodney, Ontario, where it destroyed the roof of the Binder Hotel before continuing through/near
West Lorne, Ontario,
Dutton, Ontario,
Shedden, Ontario, and
Fingal, Ontario, before ending in
St. Thomas, Ontario, where a roof of the
Michigan Central Railroad was destroyed and nearly all trees on Wellington Street were damaged or destroyed.[401][402] Damage in some of the nearby towns mentioned before could have been from the outer edges, more in the style of a downburst associated with the thunderstorm, but without proper record keeping as in the modern era, this can all be classified under one tornadic event. A third tornado touched down in
Chatham, Ontario, causing significant tree damage across the city. The tower of the Methodist church collapsed, the peak was knocked off the school, skylights were blown out, smokestacks of several local factories were also destroyed. Various houses were destroyed. This tornado likely dissipated before touching down again as the
Rodney, Ontario, to
St. Thomas, Ontario, tornado. In
Sarnia, Ontario, a fourth probable tornado touched down destroying 150 square feet of roofing on a new lumber mill. Numerous trees were destroyed while a house was lifted off its foundation and tossed. Based on the damage reported, the tornado started near the
St. Clair River causing damage along Christina Street, Johnston Street, and Queen Street before moving across Wellington Street and causing damage along Davis Street. The tornado began to weaken before causing minor damage on Russell Street. Additional damage was reported in
Port Stanley, Ontario, where a ninety-foot elevator tower collapsed and in
Niagara Falls, Ontario. There is inconclusive information to determine the classification of the event in
Port Stanley, Ontario, and
Niagara Falls, Ontario.[403][404][405]
June 14 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Balgonie, Saskatchewan, where it tore apart a skating rink and destroyed the roof of a new stables.[406]
July 31 - an unrated tornado passed three miles west of
Waterloo, Ontario, destroying fences and wheat stacks. Trees and crops were also damaged.[408][409]
August 1 - an unrated tornado struck the
North Battleford, Saskatchewan, area resulting in a Baptist church blowing off its foundation and a couple of houses being overturned.[410]
October 9 - an unrated tornado struck
Ayr, Ontario, damaging trees, chimneys, homes and other buildings. A mill to the west was also damaged.[412]
October 29 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Coutts, Alberta resulting damage near the international border. The tornado tore parts of the walls on the Campbell's blacksmith shop, destroyed chimneys, and blew over the windmill for the
Great Northern Railway of Canada.[413][414]
1907
May 26 - an F3 tornado touched down near
Nixon, Ontario, where much of the town was destroyed. The tornado moved through the countryside before striking
Waterford, Ontario. This tornado was locally referred to as "The Nixon Cyclone" in local newspapers.[415]
June 3 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Nixon, Ontario, west of
Simcoe, Ontario. The tornado was narrow, destroying only two houses, a grocery store and a structure with a large coal chute. In the country, several barn roofs were torn off of barns and carried a long distance. In some cases, barn walls were also destroyed.[416]
June 16 - two unrated tornadoes touched down in
Manitoba with additional possible tornadic damage in
Saskatchewan. The first tornado struck
Napinka, Manitoba, resulting in damage to a farm property.[417][418] A second tornado touched down to the north near
Griswold, Manitoba, destroying fences and chimneys. Tents for the
Canadian National Railway construction were flattened. A home was lifted up from the ground and shifted. Unclassified wind damage was reported in
Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan, dealing a 'cyclonic force.' Buildings were torn to pieces with a small house being lifted up and shifted. Unclassified wind damage, possibly from a tornado, was reported to the north in
Newdale, Manitoba. In this town, numerous farm buildings were damaged or destroyed, including stables, a granary, and homes. Shingles were torn off a roof. Many animals died and one person was injured.[419]
June 24 - an unrated probable tornado touched down near
Huntsville, Ontario. The probable tornado tore off a dwelling from a store and the flag pole near the school collapsed. Significant tree damage was reported with trees "thrown in every direction." Based on the description of the event, there is question as to whether this was a tornado or not.[420]
July 6 - an unrated tornado touched down in the
Meridian District, Saskatchewan, destroying the Kimberley school house, several granaries, and nearby fields. The entry in the source lists the closest settlement as
Oxbow, Saskatchewan.[421]
August 8 - an unrated tornado struck
Tuxford, Saskatchewan, damaging and shifting the Anglican church, William's hotel and a large barn off their foundations. A hardware store and ice cream parlor were badly damaged. Sidewalks were ripped up.[422]
August 14 - an unrated tornado touched down 20 miles south of
Vermilion, Alberta on the
Battle River killing 3 children and destroying a house along with stables and corrals.[423]
1908
June 8 - an unrated tornado struck
Clinton, Ontario, tearing off the flag pole from town hall, lifting the roof off an evaporator and damaging trees. There is some question as to whether this was a tornado or only severe wind gusts.[424]
June 19 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Hamilton, Ontario, damaging many trees and the electric system.[425]
July 29 - two unrated tornadoes touched down in
Saskatchewan. The first tornado touched down near
Fillmore, Saskatchewan, doing considerable damage to the town and surrounding rural land. Various buildings, including a school, were destroyed. A single schoolboy died.[427] A second tornado touched down near
Warman, Saskatchewan, resulting in the Anglican church being shifted while the Saskatchewan Trading Company's warehouse was destroyed.[428] Additional damage was reported in
Ninga, Manitoba,
Dunrea, Manitoba, and
Waskada, Manitoba. It is unclear if this additional damage was the result of tornadoes or not.[429]
August 5 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Mount Pleasant, Ontario, demolishing numerous barns, unroofing many others, and causing impassable roads from fallen trees.[431]
August 16 - an unrated tornado struck
Goderich, Ontario, uprooting trees and damaging structures.[432]
October 5 - an unrated small tornado struck
Morris, Manitoba, unroofing two buildings, throwing some farm machinery, and relocating livestock. Small trees were also uprooted.[433]
October 6 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Birds Hill, Manitoba, outside of
Winnipeg, Manitoba, doing considerable damage. Two or three houses were destroyed and telephone poles torn up.[434][435]
Week before October 9 - am unrated small tornado touched down on
Wolfe Island, Ontario, causing considerable damage. The tornado shifted several farm structures and demolished at least one.[436]
1909
April 6 - an unrated tornado struck
London, Ontario, causing some minor damage to a chimney. Half a dozen children were injured from a falling chimney.[437][438]
April 15 - an unrated small tornado struck near
Piche, Saskatchewan, which is now called
Bents, Saskatchewan. The tornado lifted half a house and carried it to the next homestead.[439]
May 13 - an unrated tornado touched down in
McKillop Township, Ontario. The tornado caused damage to fences and railway boards.[440]
July 1 - an unrated tornado near
Didsbury, Alberta is shown in a photograph in the archives of the Glenbow Museum.[441][442]
July 1 - an unrated tornado struck
Carievale, Saskatchewan, and
Gainsboro, Saskatchewan, destroying homes and buildings. Farm machinery were twisted, carried over a half a mile, and destroyed. Buildings were torn up and scattered through fields. Eleven families were left homeless, five were killed, and up to 30 people were injured. A post office was destroyed.[443][444]
July 10 - an unrated tornado touched down over the eastern part of
Hullett Township, Ontario. The tornado did considerable damage to trees and fences. A silo was blown down. Machinery was overturned.[446]
July 16 - two unrated tornadoes touched down in
Alberta and
Saskatchewan. The first was an F3 tornado struck near the settlement of
Golden Valley, Alberta,[447] injuring four. Continuing from the first storm, at 10 pm, a second strong tornado caused damage 14 miles north pf
Wilkie, Saskatchewan, causing one injury. The second tornado completely destroyed a house and carried pieces of it for a quarter of a mile. Hay stacks and farm machinery were tossed. A second house was damaged. The tornado was a quarter of a mile wide.[448][449][450][451][452]
March 5 - an unrated probable tornado struck
Winnipeg, Manitoba, causing considerable damage. The probable tornado blew down the walls of a six-story furniture warehouse. There is a lack of detail regarding any other damage to determine if this was a tornado or not.[453]
June 21 - two unrated tornadoes struck the
Canadian Prairies The first tornado struck 60 miles south of
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, resulting in widespread damage to homes and farms. Three people were killed, including two children, with seven people injured according to The Granum Press and
Lethbridge Herald report that three people died.[454][455] The book, "The Literary History of Saskatchewan," cites another book, "Freeman Wing Searches," stating that it lists all the names of the Euro-Canadians and three Asian men died, implying that more than three deaths occurred.[456][457][458][459] The second tornado struck
Gladstone, Manitoba, destroying a skating rink and part of a mill.[460]
July 3 - an unrated probable tornado struck
Davidson, Saskatchewan, destroying some houses, barns, numerous granaries, and other buildings. Some debris was lofted over 100 yards.[461] The description of the event isn't definitive enough to say if this was a tornado or not with confidence.
July 29 - an unrated tornado struck
Beverley, Saskatchewan, destroying the Quon Koy restaurant. A home a mile east of the town was also destroyed.[462]
July 30 - an unrated probable tornado touched down in
London, Ontario, destroying telephone lines west of the city with trees down throughout the region.[463] The lack of information makes this event question whether it was actually a tornado, listed as 'probable' until further evidence is provided.
September 8 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Creston, British Columbia, resulting in significant damage. The length of the tornado was 500 yards with a wide of 30 feet. The tornado dealt damage to homes and business in the community including barns and farm buildings. Large glass panes were destroyed and large timber blocks weighing up to 400 pounds were picked up and thrown 150 yards.[464][465][466]
October 1 - an unrated tornado struck
Montreal, Quebec, resulting in damaged businesses and telephone services.[467]
1911
March 13 - an unrated small tornado touched down near
Macleod, Alberta resulting in minor damage.[468]
March 27 - an unrated small tornado struck
St. Catharines, Ontario, damaging trees and fences. The day following the tornado (March 28) included a significant snow storm and blizzard.[469]
April 15 - an unrated tornado struck
Nanaimo, British Columbia, resulting in uprooted trees, downed fences, smashed windows, and torn shingles.[470]
Before May 11 - an unrated tornado and violent storm occurred between
Brandon, Manitoba, and
Winnipeg, Manitoba, resulting in damage to telephone communications.[472]
May 9 - an unrated tornado touched down in
Carievale, Saskatchewan, destroying multiple buildings including numerous barns and a kitchen.[473][474]
May 24 - an unrated tornado touched down in
St. Boniface, Manitoba, tearing trees, overturning barns and sheds, and breaking windows.[475]
June 10 - an F2 tornado struck
Owen Sound, Ontario. The Clinton New Era paper suggests that two tornadoes merged into a single tornado before destroying thousands of windows, lifting many roofs, and destroying many crops in the area.[476][477][478]
July 9 - an unrated tornado struck
Huronville, Saskatchewan, lifting several houses off their foundation and carrying them for more than a mile. Three people were injured.[486]
Week before July 10 - an unrated tornado touched down near
Strome, Alberta only lasting a few seconds, but smashing a few windows and shifting a couple barns. Damage was minimal.[487]
July 10 - an unrated probable tornado struck
Peterborough, Ontario, damaging trees, wires, and telephone systems. There is a lack of information which makes this tornado questionable.[488]
July 12 - an unrated tornado struck
Wawota, Saskatchewan, lifting a large barn off its foundation, destroying several other barns, and knocking down fences across the area.[489]
July 24 - an unrated small tornado touched down near
Fergus, Ontario, injuring one person.[490]
August 11 - an unrated large tornado hit near
Black Diamond, Alberta destroying some houses and a granary. One woman was badly injured.[491]
June 30 - Canada's deadliest twister hit
Regina, Saskatchewan. Known as the
Regina Cyclone, it was an F4 tornado that devastated the city. More than 300 people were injured and 28 people killed. The total cost of damage was estimated to be around $4.5 million (nearly $117M in 2019).
1915
June 25 - an F4 tornado struck near
Medicine Hat, Alberta. The business section of
Redcliff was also severely damaged, and a freight train was blown off the tracks. The storm killed two people and injured many others.[495]
No date - a tornado touched down near
Vermilion, Alberta, destroying a log house. Three children were killed, and one woman was carried 27 m (30 yd).[496]
July 22 - a violent tornado passed through a large portion of southeastern
Saskatchewan, killing four people and injuring over a dozen. The
Canadian Red Cross provided relief on behalf of the government to 42 affected families in
Alameda,
Frobisher,
Lampman,
Steelman, and
Estevan. Grazulis rated it as F5.[498]
August 15 - an F3 tornado touched down near
Eastend, Saskatchewan, killing two and injuring four.
1923
June 24 - a tornado touched down near
Hornby, Ontario (present-day
Halton Hills). It travelled eastward almost 20 km (12 mi) before dissipating near
Cooksville, close to the centre of present-day
Mississauga.
1926
July 12 - a rare tornado touched down in
Lac la Hache, British Columbia, destroying farm buildings and knocking down trees.
1927
June 18 - a tornado picked up a house in
Elfros, Saskatchewan, killing one person. The damage path lasted for 11 km (6.8 mi).
July 8 - a strong tornado struck
Vulcan, Alberta, causing significant damage in the town and surrounding area. A curling rink was destroyed, along with a dairy farm and a granary. There were no injuries.
July 8 - a tornado struck the Rainy Creek area SW of
Bentley, Alberta "leaving a trail of damage and destruction" as recorded in the book titled Bentley and District Early History.[501][502]
July 8 - a tornado struck the town of
Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Fifty businesses were destroyed or damaged, as were several residences, barns, garages and other structures. Two people were severely injured, but miraculously no one was killed.[503]
1928
August 27 - a tornado touched down near
Claresholm, Alberta resulting in widespread damage to nearby farms and structures. Several animals died in the tornado.[504]
1930s
1933
May 23 - a tornado passed a mile south and west of the town of
Winkler, Manitoba, late in the afternoon, and was photographed. The accompanying cloudburst resulted in severe flooding in the town lasting into the following day.[505]
August 9 - locally known as the "Kamsack Cyclone", a tornado touched down in
Kamsack, Saskatchewan, destroying 400 homes and 100 businesses. Three people were killed and many more injured.[509]
1946
June 17 - the third deadliest tornado in Canadian history struck the towns of
Windsor and
Tecumseh, Ontario. Known as the
1946 Windsor–Tecumseh tornado, it was given an F4 rating and killed 17 people. Damage estimates at the time exceeded $9 million.[510]
May 21 - an
F4 tornado touched down in
Sarnia, Ontario, leaving seven people dead, over 40 injured, and 500 homeless. The path was estimated to be over 150 km (93 mi) long through
Michigan and
Ontario.
April 16 - a tornado hit
Watrous, Saskatchewan, destroying a large barn and scattering pigs up to 5 km (3.1 mi) away.
1959
June 6 - a tornado destroyed a garage in
La Salle, Manitoba, yet the car inside the garage was not damaged. The tornado could be seen 15 km (9.3 mi) away in
Winnipeg.
1960s
1960
July 18 - a violent cone-shaped tornado was reported to have torn through the
Mentmore, Ingelow and
Brookdale areas of
Manitoba. The twister pushed 59 cars from a
Canadian National Railway freight train off their tracks, damaged buildings, flattened crops, snapped power lines, uprooted trees and pushed a garage off its foundation. Damage was estimated at half a million dollars.[514]
1962
July 1 - a small tornado was observed near
Vancouver, British Columbia. This was the third tornado recorded since the weather office opened in 1929.
1963
June 29 - a large tornado touched down near
Spy Hill, Saskatchewan, 260 km (160 mi) northwest of
Regina, destroying multiple houses and damaging property. One man was killed when he was sucked out of his house. The tornado travelled 6.4 km (4 mi), and left a 1.6 km (1 mi) wide path of destruction.[515]
1966
March 7 - an unconfirmed tornado touched down in
Ucluelet, British Columbia, causing significant damage. It drove a metal spike through a classroom window into a blackboard.
June 10 - a small tornado touched down near
Nanton, Alberta, tearing trees and narrowly missing ranch buildings.[516]
1967
April 17 - a total of four tornadoes, two being F3 in strength, touched down in
Southwestern Ontario, causing at least $8.2 million in damage. The first tracked through
Huron and
Perth counties, flattening barns and homes, and snapping multiple trees and utility poles. The second F3 tracked from
St. Jacobs to northwest of
Guelph. Two F0 tornadoes were also confirmed and one person was killed.[517][518]
July 20 - a tornado struck
La Riviere, Manitoba, destroying several cabins, ripping the roof off the grain elevator, flipping vehicles, and downing many trees. The tornado tracked about 20 miles to northeast of Manitou with a damage path 200 yds wide.[519]
1970s
1970
August 20 - an early morning
F3 tornado touched down near
Sudbury, Ontario, causing extensive damage in the city, as well as in the suburban communities of
Lively and
Copper Cliff, and the more distant rural community of
Field. Lively was the hardest hit, with over 300 homes damaged. The communities were given little warning of bad weather approaching, as the
Sudbury Airport did not have radar that detected tornado activity. Over 200 people were injured and six were killed. The damage was estimated at $17 million, and it is listed as the eighth deadliest tornado in Canadian history.[520]
1972
July 22 - a tornado near
Algonquin Provincial Park left a 25 km (16 mi) path, destroying a
portage trail and wide swaths of
red pine forest and other trees south of Lake Lavieille.
July 28 - a tornado tore through farmland near
Bawlf, Alberta, destroying a two-storey house and several farm buildings. Two people were injured, and one person was injured and died later from the injuries.[521]
July 13 - a tornado touched down in
Brighton, Ontario, in the early evening hours. It only lasted 32 seconds, but destroyed the city hall and toppled most
maple trees along Main Street. The Presbyterian Church also lost its
steeple. Only one person was injured.[522]
April 3 -
Windsor, Ontario, was hit with an F3 tornado, part of the
1974 Super Outbreak. Nine people were killed and 30 were injured, with an estimated $500,000 in damage. It is listed as the sixth deadliest tornado in Canadian history.[523]
1975
July 24 - a strong tornado hit
Saint-Bonaventure, Quebec, approximately 80 km (50 mi) northeast of
Montreal, destroying over 100 homes and businesses. Three people were killed, and over forty were hospitalized.[524]
1977
July 18 - an F4 tornado touched down near
St. Malo, Manitoba, destroying houses and barns. Asphalt was peeled off
Highway 59 as a result of the strong winds. Three people were killed.[525]
1978
June 27 - an F2 tore through the city of
Masson-Angers, Quebec (today part of
Gatineau), damaging 100 homes and injuring 35 people.
July 30 - an F2 tornado touched down near
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, toppling a tower and then destroying a transmission tower near
Rae-Edzo. Some witnesses said that they saw a huge 1.6 km (1 mi) wide wedge coming into town from the west. The tornado caused severe damage to weakly built houses. It was the third recorded tornado in the region since 1960.[526]
1979
July 10 - a tornado struck the town of Glasnevin, Saskatchewan, killing one person.[527]
August 7 -
three tornadoes struck near the
Woodstock, Ontario, area, causing more than $100 million in damage. The biggest were two F4 tornadoes; one starting in Woodstock and travelling southeast for 57 km (35 mi), the other starting in the south of
Stratford, tearing a path southeast for 31 km (19 mi). An F0
satellite tornado accompanied the Woodstock tornado for up to 21 km (13 mi). The storms killed two and injured more than 150, while 480 houses were left uninhabitable.
August 8 - a tornado touched down in
Regina, Saskatchewan, causing damage in the northwest end of the city. Two tornadoes were spotted that day, with one reaching F2 status, but this was unconfirmed.[528]
May 25 - two F1 tornadoes hit near
Aden and
Cereal, Alberta. An F0 was also confirmed near Hilda.[529]
May 25 - four tornadoes were confirmed, three being rated as F1 in strength. They hit near the communities of
Creelman,
Carnduff and
Bellegarde, Saskatchewan. The other tornado, an F0, was confirmed near
Dubuc. No major damage was reported.[529]
May 31 - a late afternoon F0 tornado touched down, leaving a 26 km (16 mi) path of damage from
Georgetown to
Woodbridge, Ontario. No injuries were reported, but the damage cost was an estimated $900,000.[529]
June 23 - three F1 tornadoes touched down in east central Saskatchewan near the towns of
Invermay,
Francis and
Ebenezer. No major damage was reported.[529]
July 15 - an F0 tornado hit near the town of
Wellesley, Ontario, 28 km (17 mi) northwest of
Kitchener, leaving a 1.5 km (0.93 mi) path and causing approximately $50,000 in damage. No injuries were reported.[529]
July 16 - an evening F1 tornado struck the town of
LaSalle, Ontario, damaging property along a 6.3 km (3.9 mi) path. No injuries were reported, but the damage cost was an estimated $500,000.[529]
July 22 - a rare F0 tornado was confirmed, touching down near the town of
Roseway, Nova Scotia.[529]
August 11 - two F0 tornadoes touched down in
Southern Ontario, the first confirmed near
North Woodslee. The second touched down in
Port Dover, leaving an estimated $20,000 of damage along a 2.5 km (1.6 mi) path.[529]
August 14 - the province was hit with five tornadoes, the largest given an F2 rating and touching down in
London. It was on the ground for approximately 3.2 km (2.0 mi) and caused an estimated $100,000 in damage. The other four tornadoes were given F0 ratings and touched down in
Eastern Ontario, near the towns of
Springfield,
Meath,
Kirk Cove and
Stanleyville.[529]
August 15 -
Prince Edward Island experienced a rare F0 tornado, touching down near Strathgartney and leaving a 4.6 km (2.9 mi) path.[529]
September 2 - an F2 tornado was one of three confirmed in the province of Ontario, touching down near
Jarratt. An F1 also touched down in
South Lancaster, and an F0 was confirmed near Houghton Centre.[529]
September 22 - six tornadoes touched down in
Ontario, causing upwards of $750,000 in damage. Two F1 tornadoes were confirmed in
Woodbridge and
Blenheim, and four F0 tornadoes touched down in
Stratford,
Primrose,
Mariposa and
Lakefield. No injuries were reported.[529]
September 25 - an F2 tornado hit near
Teeswater, Ontario, and was on the ground for over 10 km (6.2 mi).[529]
March 30 - two early season tornadoes were confirmed in
Southern Ontario. An F1 tornado touched down near
Bothwell, and an F0 hit near
Hickson. No injuries were reported.[529]
June 5 - two tornadoes hit the province of
Alberta near the towns of
Landonville and
Clandonald. They were given ratings of F1 and F0, respectively.[529]
July 8 - a strong F2 tornado touched down in the community of
Scotchtown, New Brunswick, causing an estimated
C$10,000 in damage. No injuries were reported.[529]
July 19 - three F0 tornadoes cut across
Ontario, one leaving a 9.7 km (6.0 mi) path near
Thornhill. The other two touched down near
Maple and
Arden.[529]
September 10 - three tornadoes touched down in
Eastern Ontario in the early evening hours. The strongest, an F1, hit near
Shannonville, leaving a 12.8 km (8.0 mi) path. The other two were given F0 ratings and touched down on
Howe Island, and near
Adolphustown.[529]
June 15 - four tornadoes were confirmed in
Southern Ontario, after active weather swept through the province. An F1 hit near
Strathroy, and three F0 tornadoes touched down near
Chatham,
Burford and
Port Burwell. The tornado near Burford was on the ground for approximately 11 kilometres (6.8 mi).[530]
June 30 - four strong tornadoes ripped through parts of
Alberta, with the strongest, an F3, destroying a farm 15 km (9.3 mi) southeast of
Rocky Mountain House. It also destroyed a mobile home, injuring one person, and left an estimated
C$500,000 in damages.[531] An F2 tornado also struck 24 km (15 mi) north of
Viking, and two F1 twisters were confirmed 12 km (7.5 mi) northeast of
Lacombe and near
Kinsella.[530]
July 14 - ten tornadoes were confirmed in Alberta after storms swept through the province. Six tornadoes were given F0 ratings and touched down near the communities of Jackfish Lake,
Benalto,
Sylvan Lake,
Wetaskiwin,
Sherwood Park and
Vegreville. The other four were given higher F1 ratings and struck near
Barrhead,
Duffield,
Stony Plain, and
Lacombe. No injuries were reported.[530]
July 16 - six tornadoes swept through Manitoba in the evening hours. They were all rated as F0 on the
Fujita Scale and touched down near the communities of
Emerson,
Hadashville,
Melita, St. Alphonse and
Morden. The sixth was confirmed 32 kilometres (20 mi) southwest of
Portage la Prairie.[530]
July 18 - an F0 tornado touched down near Lucky Lake, Alberta.[530]
July 18 - an F0 tornado was confirmed near Crows Landing, Ontario.[530]
May 2 - seven tornadoes touched down in
Southern Ontario, mainly in
Lambton County and
Toronto. It caused C$22.2 million in damages and injured 14 people; no fatalities occurred.[529][532]
Walpole Island saw an F2 tornado, which injured one person. It lasted 15 km (9.3 mi) on the ground and caused C$1 million in damages.[529][532]
Reece's Corners had the strongest tornado, rated an F4. 13 people were injured and many more left homeless. The F4 tornado was on the ground for 30 km (19 mi), and was up to 400 m (1,300 ft) in width. Damages were
C$20.0 million,[529] with 15 to 25 buildings destroyed. Winds topped out near 400 km/h (250 mph).[532]
Kettleby was hit with an F2 tornado that lasted 10.5 km (6.5 mi) on the ground; no major damage or injuries were reported.[529][532]
Rexdale, an informally-defined district of Toronto, saw three F0s. They lasted on the ground from 5.87 to 9.93 km (3.65 to 6.17 mi). One caused C$1.2 million in damages. No injuries were reported.[529]
June 18 - a tornado struck
Eastern Ontario near the town of
Westport. It severely damaged a small group of buildings.
June 22 - an F2 tornado struck near
Warren, Manitoba. It stayed on the ground for 31.7 km (19.7 mi). Another F1 also struck nearby.[512]
June 29 - ten tornadoes touched down across Alberta after a stationary front collided with a low pressure system and a cold front. The strongest was an F3 tornado that touched down near
Athabasca, destroying granaries and farm equipment. One person suffered serious injuries.[512] An F2 also touched down north of
Westlock. Seven F1s touched down in or near the towns of
Rocky Rapids,
Stony Plain,
Wabamun,
Busby,
Abee,
Foremost, and
Minburn. Two F0s were also spotted near
Lesser Slave Lake and
Baptiste Lake.
July 15 - tornadoes touched down in the Pontiac and
Gatineau, Quebec, regions, including an F3 north of
Pembroke, Ontario, that killed one person and caused $2 million in damages.[536] Many buildings were damaged, and cottages completely destroyed. 38 people were injured by flying debris.[537]
August 14 - an F1 tornado hit the north part of
Toronto, Ontario, causing millions in damage.[537]
September 2 - six confirmed tornadoes touched down in
Ontario, known as the Southwest Ontario Tornado Outbreak of 1984. Most were near the city of
London. 30 people were injured.
May 31 - an F4 tornado hit
Barrie, Ontario, becoming known as the
1985 Barrie tornado. It was part of the bigger
1985 United States–Canada tornado outbreak. There were 14 confirmed tornado touchdowns in the province. Twelve people were killed, eight in Barrie alone, and hundreds injured. The tornado destroyed more than 300 buildings, and damaged another 100, leaving 800 homeless. The cost was estimated at over $100 million. Another four people were killed by a second F4 tornado that struck close to
Grand Valley,
Orangeville and
Tottenham. That tornado had a touchdown path length of over 100 km (62 mi). Another confirmed F0 tornado hit the
Leamington area, as part of the outbreak.
September 7 - a tornado touched down near
Big Rideau Lake, Ontario. The storm killed one person when it overturned a houseboat cruising on the lake.[538]
June 1 - three tornadoes touched down in
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. There were no official ratings given for the tornadoes, although some damage indicated F3 strength winds. Roofs were thrown off houses and a warehouse was destroyed. No one was injured, and damage was estimated at over $1 million.
June 16 - severe storms produced an F3 tornado that travelled from
Brady Lake to
Maynooth, Ontario. Two other tornadoes were also reported.[539]
June 16 - an F3 tornado was confirmed near Lac Gareau, Quebec. It severely damaged summer chalets and overturned a truck. Two other tornadoes were reported further east. This was from the same weather system that had affected Ontario earlier in the day.[539]
June 18 - two tornadoes touched down near
High Prairie, Alberta, tossing farm equipment and tearing the roof off a house.[540] A third tornado, an F2, grazed the outskirts of
Provost, causing $100,000 in damages.[512]
June 30 - one tornado touched down near
Stirling, Alberta near
Lethbridge, and another tore through
Cayley, 60 km (37 mi) south of
Calgary. They destroyed a storage shed, tossed a van across the yard, and hurled a large horse against a barbed wire fence. No injuries were reported.[542]
July 29 - an F1 tornado struck north of
Grande Cache, Alberta. It was on the ground for 5.64 km (3.51 mi) and had a max width of 310 meters.
July 30 - an F1 tornado touched down in the
Castle Downs neighborhood in
Edmonton,
Alberta, one day before a devastating F4 damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings on the east side of the city. A second F1 also touched down in the town of
Nisku.[512]
July 31 - one of Canada's deadliest tornadoes, an F4, ripped through the eastern part of
Edmonton, and parts of neighbouring
Leduc County and
Strathcona County. Known as the
Edmonton tornado, it left 27 dead and 253 injured. It was the second deadliest tornado in Canadian history. Environment Canada has been under scrutiny in recent years as to whether or not the Edmonton Tornado should've been rated F5 or not. Seven other tornadoes were also confirmed around in the
Edmonton Area and
Central Alberta on the same day; a F1 in southeast Edmonton, F2 near
Beaumont, and an F2 between
Millet and
Vegreville that caused $40,000 in damages. The last four were given an F0 rating.[546][547][548]
June 5 - eight tornadoes touched down around Alberta as storms tore through the province. Two F0s touched down south of
Mundare and southeast of
Elkwater. Five F1s were confirmed east of
Okotoks, north of
Tofield, between
Olds and
Didsbury, south of
Ryley, and south of
Clive. The strongest of the day, an early-morning F2, also touched down near the
Saddle Lake Reserve.[549]
June 19 - eight tornadoes touched down over central Saskatchewan, with winds gusting up to 130 km/h (81 mph). Hail also shredded crops near
Blaine Lake.
July 27 - a series of severe thunderstorms spawned an F1 tornado in the east end of
Edmonton,
Alberta.[529][512] The tornado injured two people, and damaged buildings and uprooted trees and power lines. It caused $500,000 in damages.[529][551]
August 14 - three tornadoes touched down in the province of
New Brunswick. One hit the town of Carlisle, where trees were uprooted and a barn was destroyed. 22 out of 24 glass storm windows stored inside the barn were left undamaged.
August 28 -
Southern Ontario was hit by three tornadoes, in an outbreak associated with the
1990 Plainfield tornado. The strongest was an F3, which hit near the
Port Stanley area, destroying 10 homes in Frome, and barns near
St. Thomas and
Delaware, killing several horses. An F2 tornado also struck
Komoka, near
London, destroying a church. An F1 tornado touched down near the small town of
Kendal, just north of
Newtonville. Only six minor injuries were reported.[553]
1991
March 27 - an early season tornado struck
Sarnia, Ontario, causing over $25 million in damage.[554]
August 27 - an F3 tornado touched down in the
Mauricie region. The town of
Maskinongé was hardest hit among three communities, with 60% of its buildings damaged. Fifteen people were injured and the estimated damage cost was upwards of $25 million.[556]
1992
June 22 - tornadoes touched down across southern Manitoba, including two F1s near
Winkler and an F0 in
St. Claude.[512]
June 24 - tornadoes, large hail and torrential downpours affected
southern Manitoba. Tennis ball sized hail fell near
Morden and winds gusting to 154 km/h (96 mph) were recorded at
Pilot Mound. There were seven confirmed tornado touchdowns and numerous
funnel clouds in Manitoba that day. There was some very crisp video footage of one F0 rope tornado traversing farmland near
Kelwood. Ground scouring occurred and a hydraulic filter pipe was carried 600 yards (550 m) before being embedded about 5 feet (150 cm) into ground.[557][558][559] The region had been affected by severe weather the day before as well.[560]
June 12 - four tornadoes touched down across Manitoba as intense thunderstorms ripped through the area. The strongest, an F1, touched down west of
Brookdale. Three F0s also touched down near
Birtle,
Fisher Branch, and
Alexander.[561]
June 22 - three weak tornadoes touched down in Manitoba. Two F0s touched down near
Gladstone, Manitoba, and an F1 touched down west of
Shell River.[562]
July 9 - an F1 tornado touched down in
West Nipissing, Ontario, and travelled east for 15 km (9.3 mi). Originally rated F2, this tornado was downgraded after survey teams discovered the houses that had been destroyed were mobile homes, not wood-framed houses.[563]
July 29 - a series of violent thunderstorms tracked across
Central Alberta, spawning three tornadoes. The strongest of these was an F3 in
Holden, 90 km (56 mi) east of Edmonton. An F0 touched down in near
Falun, east of
Pigeon Lake, and an F1 tornado was reported 60 km (37 mi) northeast of
Lac La Biche.
June 30 - an F2 tornado hit southeast of
Kenora, Ontario, destroying boats, blowing apart cottages, and uprooting trees.
July 9 - one person was killed when an F2 tore through the town of
Saint-Charles-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Three other people were injured, and about a dozen homes were damaged.
July 10 - an F4 tornado tore through Birtle, Manitoba, which tracked for 29.4 km. The tornado destroyed several farm houses and barns, injuring 2 during its lifetime.
August 4 - an F3 tornado touched down in
Aylmer, Quebec, across the river from
Ottawa, injuring 15 people. The tornado path was 8 km (5.0 mi) long and caused major damage to a downtown residential subdivision, including homes destroyed. A second tornado had previously touched down just across the
Ottawa River in
Carp. In Quebec, other tornadoes touched down near
Laurel and
Rawdon.[566][567]
August 27 - a F4 tornado hit rural farmland near
Turtle Mountain, Manitoba. Devastation was especially visible at Mayfair
Hutterite Colony, and there was well over $1 million in damage. There were no injuries or deaths.
1995
June 20 - thunderstorms rumbled for seven hours over Manitoba, producing 90 km/h (56 mph) winds which blew trees and power lines over. The storm produced a weak tornado.
July 15 - a large progressive
derecho thunderstorm produced severe winds over an expansive area of the central
Great Lakes and
New England overnight. It also contained at least six tornadoes that hit
Central Ontario, most centred on or north of the
Kawartha Lakes. The strongest was an F2 tornado that destroyed a marina at
Bridgenorth and overturned a houseboat on
Lake Chemong, trapping 20 occupants for a few hours until they were rescued, just north of
Peterborough. One person was killed in Bridgenorth.
July 15 - an F3 tornado touches down just west of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. The tornado touched down near Pointe Des Chenes campground and moved through a heavily wooded area downing all trees in its path. The tornado then demolished 3 seasonal camps two of which were completely destroyed. 3 houses suffered significant damage, one house had the entire second floor ripped a part. The tornado would also rip the entire roof off one house well another house had its roof ripped off and the front exterior wall demolished.
July 26 - a tornado in
Fredericton, New Brunswick, took the roof off a government building and damaged a tennis court dome.
May 20 - a strong thunderstorm damaged one of the four screens of a drive-in theatre at
Thorold, Ontario, in the
Niagara Region. Coincidentally, this drive-in was planning to show the movie Twister that evening. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a small funnel cloud, but the physical evidence was inconclusive. Distorted and exaggerated media reports of this event abound; most claimed that the storm blew down the screen while Twister was being shown on it. The storm actually took place before sundown. However, a small tornado did touch down in
Stoney Creek that same evening.
July 4 - an estimated nine tornadoes touched down in the
Saskatoon,
Maymont and
Osler, Saskatchewan, areas. An F3 was measured in the Maymont area, destroying power lines. Homes and property were damaged in the Osler area. Wind gusts in Saskatoon reached 120 km/h (75 mph) and 141 km/h (88 mph), damaging many trees and properties on the east end of the city. A drive-in theatre and a nightclub on the eastern outskirts of the city were also heavily damaged; ironically, the movie that was going to be shown at the drive-in that night was Twister.
June 24 -
Lantz, Nova Scotia, F0 tornado touched down in a local ball field at approximately 4:45 pm
ADT (
UTC−03:00). Golf ball sized hail and intense lightning were also reported with this storm.
July 4 - an F2 tornado touched down near
Grand Falls, New Brunswick. A roof was torn off a building, and farmers' fields were ripped up. The same line of storms also dropped an F2 tornado in
Matapédia (New Brunswick/Quebec border), where a couple of barns were destroyed.
1998
June 2 - during a wider severe weather outbreak (
derecho thunderstorm) that struck
Southern Ontario in the mid-afternoon, an F1 tornado descended near Holbrook around 3:50 pm EDT (UTC−04:00) and travelled southeastward to
Norwich, damaging many buildings, including a church. There were also tornado reports in
Elmvale and
Dunnville, and several reports of funnel clouds, hail, and high winds.
July 10 - an F2 tornado touched down in Charleston, New Brunswick, leaving a 90 m (300 ft) by 7 km (4.3 mi) path of damage. A mobile home was thrown 30 m (98 ft) and totally destroyed. There were minor injuries to the residents in the home.
July 19 - a weak tornado hit
Daysland, Alberta, about 50 km (31 mi) east of
Camrose. It damaged power lines, knocking out power to surrounding communities.
August 11 - a small F1 tornado went through part of
Saint-Émile, Quebec City, in the suburbs of
Quebec City. It overturned a shed and caused a citywide electricity loss when a garage was slammed into an electric pole.
1999
May 8 - a tornado over
Hull, Quebec, caused $2M damage and tore roofs off buildings. It was caused by the same system that produced the
1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak between May 3 and May 8. It was the second significant tornado in the
Hull-Gatineau area in five years.
May 18 - three tornadoes touched down close to the western limits of
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The supercell associated with the tornadoes pelted the city with quarter-sized hail, wind gusts of nearly 100 km/h (62 mph), and over 51 mm (2 in) of rain fell from the half-hour storm.
July 3 - an F2 tornado north of
Kimberley, Ontario, destroyed barns, damaged farmhouses, and uprooted or snapped hundreds of trees.[570]
August 4 - an F2 tornado with a twisting but narrow path caused damage in the rural north end of
Burlington, Ontario, relocating a
motorhome 2 km (1.2 mi) from where it was parked. The tornado track was over 10 km (6.2 mi) long.
August 18 - a small tornado struck
Pugwash, Nova Scotia, causing some localized structural damage. There were no serious injuries.
May 5 - an F0 tornado was confirmed near Hazzards Corners, Ontario, 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of
Madoc. It left a 10 km (6.2 mi) long path, causing minor damage to a house and knocking over approximately 100 trees.[571]
May 9 - two
anticyclonic tornadoes touched down in
Southern Ontario, causing minor damage. The first was given an F0 rating, and occurred north of
Amherstburg. Multiple trees were knocked over along a 7 km (4.3 mi) path. The second tornado, an F1, touched down in Malden Centre. It tore the roof from a storage shed, and knocked over a large shipping container along a 1 km (0.62 mi) path. No injuries were reported with either storm.[572]
May 23 - an F2 tornado touched down near
Appin, Ontario, damaging a pig barn and killing several pigs. Multiple homes also sustained damage, and
hydro poles were snapped. No injuries were reported.[571]
May 24 - a confirmed F1 tornado hit
Gloucester, Ontario, a suburb within the city of
Ottawa. It snapped trees, tore the roof off a house and ripped the canopy from a gas station.[573]
June 22 - an F0 tornado was confirmed near the town of
Quyon, Quebec.[544]
July 14 - an F3 tornado struck Green Acres Campground in
Pine Lake, Alberta. Known as the
Pine Lake tornado, it killed 12 people and caused over $13 million in damage. It was ranked as the fourth deadliest tornado in Canadian history.
July 17 - three tornadoes were confirmed in
Ontario after several
supercell thunderstorms developed over the province. An F2 tornado formed over the city of
Guelph, lasting approximately 23 minutes and leaving a path of damage 13 km (8.1 mi) long. Damage was estimated at over $2 million and one minor injury was reported. The same storm also produced a second, unrated tornado near
Waterdown.[574] The third tornado, an F1, occurred in
Simcoe County, near the town of
Melduf. It snapped and uprooted trees, and caused minor crop damage. An aluminum shed was destroyed.[575]
July 23 - an F3 tornado touched down and destroyed one home and tossed farm equipment near
Marwayne, Alberta, 35 km (22 mi) northwest of
Lloydminster.[576]
July 24 - a tornado outbreak in southern
Manitoba spawned at least 4 confirmed tornadoes, including a large tornado which touched down for 10 minutes, from 6:10 pm to 6:20 pm, 5 km (3.1 mi) west of
Brunkild, Manitoba. The Brunkild tornado did not hit anything, resulting in an F0 rating. The other confirmed tornadoes were located north of
Elm Creek, Manitoba (4:22 pm), 3 km (1.9 mi) north of
Brookdale, Manitoba(5:19 pm), west of
Neepawa, Manitoba(5:50 pm) and south of
Plum Coulee, Manitoba (6:08 pm).[577]
July 26 - a tornado touched down briefly near
Wabamun, Alberta, about 70 km (43 mi) west of
Edmonton, causing minor damage.[578]
August 6 - a tornado touched down near
Elnora, Alberta, southeast of Pine Lake. The tornado occurred while people were gathering for a memorial service in Pine Lake for those who died in the Pine Lake tornado just a few weeks earlier.
August 9 - an F1 tornado touched down near
Tilbury, Ontario, destroying a barn and causing heavy damage to two farmhouses. No injuries were reported.[573]
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"Millgrove". Michael Newark Digital Tornado Archive.
^
abcOx Trails to Blacktop(PDF). Oak Lake, Manitoba: Oak Lake History Committee. 1982. pp. 51, 126–127, 342, 363.
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^"Wind Storm at Gladstone". The News and Alberta Irrigationist. August 1, 1901.
Archived from the original on October 3, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
^Government of Canada, Public Safety Canada (September 13, 2013).
"Canadian Disaster Database". publicsafety.gc.ca.
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^CraigBaird (February 18, 2021).
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