Severe Weather
Natural hazards, such as extreme temperatures, tornadoes and severe windstorms, represent an uncontrollable risk that can have a devastating effect.
Weather Watches and Warnings
Environment Canada issues weather watches and warnings to advise of weather conditions that may affect personal safety or property. Environment Canada is the primary source of information for monitoring the threat of severe weather.
Severe Weather
- Tornadoes are often hard to see from far away and not all have a visible funnel cloud.
- Tornadoes usually come from the south or west but can quickly change direction without warning.
- Large hailstones often accompany tornadoes. Take cover when hail begins and do not go outside.
- A tornado is deceptive - it may appear to be standing still when it is moving toward you.
- When you are aware of a tornado in your area, seek shelter immediately.
-
Before a Tornado
- Watches and warnings are issued via Environment Canada's Weather radio and through commercial radio and television stations.
- Look for approaching storms
- Look for the following danger signs:
- a sickly greenish or greenish-black colour to the sky
- hail
- unusually high relative humidity
- a strange quiet that occurs within or shortly after the thunderstorm
- clouds moving very fast, especially in a rotating pattern or converging towards one area of the sky
- a sound like a waterfall or rushing air that turns into a roar as it comes closer, the sound of a tornado has been likened to that of both railroad trains and jets
- debris dropping from the sky, and or branches or leaves being pulled upwards, even if no funnel cloud is visible
- an obvious funnel-shaped cloud that is rotating
- If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.
-
During a Tornado/Windstorm
If You Are In a Structure
- Go to a sheltered area such as a basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level
- If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls
- Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside
- Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck
- Do not open windows or use elevators
If You Are In a Vehicle, Trailer, or Mobile Home
- Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a storm shelter or sturdy nearby building
- Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, exit the vehicle immediately for safe shelter
If You Are Outside With No Shelter
- Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location
- Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries
-
After a Tornado
Be Aware
- Be aware of new safety issues created by the disaster. Watch for washed out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring, and slippery floors.
Inform Local Authorities
- Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed out roads, smoldering insulation, and dead animals.
-
Blizzard
The Government of Alberta announces a blizzard warning when falling or blowing snow reaches speeds of at least 40 km/h and is expected to last 4 hours or longer. Visibility during this time is reduced to 400m or less.
Blizzards or blowing snow can occur when there are clear skies and can cause zero visibility.
During blizzard events:
- Avoid driving unless necessary; wait several hours for road crews to manage snow.
- If you must drive, check Alberta 511 or the City of Calgary’s Road Condition Map for current road conditions. Ensure your vehicle’s emergency kit is fully stocked and use the buddy system so someone knows where you are going and when you expect to get there.
- Avoid going outdoors if possible. If you must go outside, dress for the weather and use the buddy system so someone knows where you are going and when you expect to get there.
- Avoid driving unless necessary; wait several hours for road crews to manage snow.
-
Freezing Rain
Freezing rain is rain that freezes on impact and creates a buildup of ice (glaze) on surfaces.
Freezing rain can cause damage by creating a heavy load wherever the ice forms. Ice from freezing rain can build up on any surface making sidewalks and pathways dangerous for falls and slips.
During freezing rain events:
- Avoid driving unless necessary; wait several hours for road crews to manage ice or for the weather to warm.
- If you must drive, check Alberta 511 or the City of Calgary’s Road Condition Map for current road conditions. Ensure your vehicle’s emergency kit is fully stocked, and use the buddy system so someone knows
- If you must go outside, dress for the weather and pay close attention to large sheets of ice on buildings, tree branches and power lines, which could fall unexpectedly.
- Avoid driving unless necessary; wait several hours for road crews to manage ice or for the weather to warm.
Extreme outdoor air temperatures are not uncommon for the City of Calgary and can be a cause of concern for our UCalgary community.
The University recommends monitoring weather forecasts for current and potential heat or cold weather alerts. Understanding when an extreme temperature weather event is likely to occur and for how long can help in the planning of activities (e.g., conducting outdoor activities, driving, running errands, etc.). Limiting exposure to temperature extremes is the best protection.
Outdoor Work/Research Activities during Extreme Temperature Weather Events
If outdoor work or research activities must be conducted during an extreme temperature event, controls must be implemented to minimize exposure as much as possible. If at all possible, postpone outdoor activities until the extreme temperature event has passed. Supervisors may modify or suspend work for outdoor workers to eliminate or reduce exposure. Refer to the Government of Alberta - Working in extreme temperatures for more information.
-
Cold
In Alberta, an extreme cold warning is issued when the temperature or the wind chill are or are anticipated to be -40°C or colder for at least two hours.
The Government of Alberta recommends the following when dealing with extreme cold:
- Stay safe, warm and protected.
- Stay indoors when possible. If you have to travel by car, know your route ahead of time and make sure you have a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle.
- Dress in warm, windproof layers. Watch for signs of frostbite, which can occur in less than 10 minutes in extreme cold.
- When working outside, do not over exert yourself. Sweating can lead to hypothermia, which can be fatal.
- Make sure your pets have warm shelter during a cold snap.
-
Heat
In Alberta, a heat warning is issued when daytime maximum temperatures are or are anticipated to reach:
- Extreme Southern AB- 32°C or warmer for two or more consecutive days, and nighttime minimum temperatures are or are anticipated to be 16°C or warmer.
- Rest of AB - 29°C or warmer for two or more consecutive days, and nighttime minimum temperatures are or are anticipated to be 14°C or warmer.
The Government of Alberta recommends the following when dealing with extreme heat:
- Stay cool - Plan activities during the coolest part of the day. Avoid direct sun, seek shade, and wear sunblock, a hat and light-coloured loose-fitting clothing.
- Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty, be aware that sugary and caffeinated drinks cause dehydration.
- Be prepared - Know the signs of heat illness, and call Campus Security at 403.220.5333. if anyone is in need of medical help.
- Stay informed - Extreme heat can affect air quality and disrupt services like power and water.
Floods are a frequent hazard in Canada and have devastated many areas of Alberta.
Flooding can occur at any time of year and can result from:
- heavy rainfall
- ice jams
- rapid melting of glaciers or snow packs
- natural or man-made dam failures
The city of Calgary can see significant flooding events very quickly. Ensure you are prepared for floods by updating your insurance, moving valuables higher (e.g., from the basement to the main floor), and ensuring rainwater is directed away from your home. For more information, see the City of Calgary’s flood readiness website.
During a flood:
- Never attempt to cross a flooded area. Water is powerful – 6 inches of moving water can knock over an adult and 12 inches can carry away a car. Two feet of moving water can easily move mid-sized vehicles.
- Avoid floodwater. Floodwater can be contaminated with oils, gasoline, and even sewage. Flooding can create environmental conditions that increase vector-borne (illnesses caused by infectious microbes transmitted to humans by insects, animals, and organisms and water-borne diseases (illnesses caused by infectious microbes transmitted to humans by insects, animals, and organisms). (U.S. FEMA)
Generally, Alberta relies on melting snow and precipitation for most of its water. Droughts are prolonged periods of dry weather that deplete water resources, including:
- natural sources (rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, groundwater)
- constructed storage (reservoirs and dugouts)
- irrigation canals
- soil moisture
Current conditions in Alberta can be found by visiting Government of Alberta: Drought – Current Conditions.
During droughts:
- Follow municipal, regional, or provincial water management bylaws and regulations.
- Conserve water indoors by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, and running water-heavy machines (e.g., dishwashers and washing machines) with full loads only.
- Conserve water outdoors by limiting the watering of lawns, collecting rainwater for plant use, checking for leaks, planting drought-tolerant vegetation, and cleaning with a broom instead of a hose.
Thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain and hail can develop quickly and threaten life and property. Severe storms occur frequently and can be unpredictable.
-
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can bring hazards such as heavy rain, lightning and hail.
What to do before and during:
- Before a thunderstorm, pay attention to local news and weather reports for up to date information on thunderstorm conditions, weather warnings and storm maps.
- Secure loose objects outdoors in case of strong wind and cover your vehicle in case of hail.
- During a thunderstorm, move to a safe place that is away from windows and doors. Avoid using electrical equipment and telephones.
-
Lightning
What to do before and during
- If you can see lightning or hear thunder:
- Consider it a threat.
- Seek shelter in a fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing.
- Unplug electrical appliances and stay away from outlets.
- Avoid windows, doors, fireplaces, sinks, tubs and showers because these areas are more likely to pass electricity.
- Wait 30 minutes after you hear the last rumble of thunder before going outside.
If stranded outdoors:
- Avoid standing near tall objects or anything made of metal.
- Avoid water and take shelter in a low-lying area, such as a ditch.
- If you are out on a lake or other body of water, make way for shore immediately and then follow the instructions above.
- If possible, avoid sheltering in your vehicle. It does not offer significant protection from lightning.
-
Heavy Rain
Heavy rainfall can cause floods in a short period of time, especially when the ground is frozen or already wet. A heavy downpour warning is issued when 50 mm or more of rain is expected within one hour.
What to do before and during
Before heavy rainfall:
- Check the drainage around your home to see if there is any possibility of your basement flooding.
- Take preventative measures such as grading your property so water does not collect or flow towards your home.
- Ensure you have reliable drainage or a working sump pump in your basement.
If outdoors during heavy rainfall:
- Avoid roadway underpasses, drainage ditches, low lying and water collection areas. These areas can flood and overflow very quickly.
- Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.
-
Hail
Hail forms in storm clouds and is most common in summer, but can also occur during colder times of the year. Hailstones range in size, from small peas to grapefruits, with large hail occurring more in the warmer season.
What to do before and during
- Immediately take cover when hail begins to fall.
- Keep yourself and your loved ones away from windows, glass doors and skylights.
- If outdoors and there is no shelter close by, crouch down with your face away from the wind. Protect your neck with your hands.
In most of Alberta, a wind warning is given for winds expected to reach at least 70 km/h, or gust at least 90 km/h.
What to do before and during
- Secure loose objects outdoors in case of strong wind and cover your vehicle in case of hail.
- Seek shelter and stay safe.
- Extreme wind can cause trees and infrastructure (e.g., electricity poles) to topple.
Wildfire is a common occurrence in Alberta and Canada. While most of the University of Calgary’s assets and locations are in urban locations that are less likely to be impacted directly by wildfire, fires create significant smoke pollution that can be devastating to human and animal health.
Additionally, UCalgary has rural locations that may be susceptible to wildfire risk. Employees should review wildfire and smoke procedures with their managers prior to the spring of each year.
- Wildfires create lower air quality due to immense smoke pollution, which is harmful to humans and animals.
- Wildfires can necessitate the evacuation of populations, small or large, very quickly.
- Drought increases the fuels available for fires, which could increase the size and number of wildfires in Alberta.
- If you notice a wildfire, report it to Alberta Wildfire by calling 310-FIRE (3473). If the wildfire is on, or encroaching on UCalgary property, please also report it to Campus Security at 403.220.5333.