Ontario Surges as Canada’s Tornado Hotspot For decades, the Prairies have held the unenviable title of Canada’s tornado hot spot. However, a recent shift has occurred, and Ontario has now taken the top spot. According to Environment Canada data, Ontario experienced an average of 18 tornadoes per year between 1980 and 2019, compared to 14 in the Prairies. This represents a significant increase from the previous decade, when the Prairies averaged 17 tornadoes annually. The reasons for this shift are not fully understood, but several factors may be contributing. Climate change, which is altering weather patterns globally, could be playing a role. Changes in land use, such as deforestation and urbanization, can also affect tornado frequency. Whatever the cause, the increase in tornadoes in Ontario is a cause for concern. Tornadoes can be devastating, causing widespread damage and loss of life. In 2018, a rare EF-5 tornado tore through Barrie, Ontario, killing one person and injuring dozens. The shift in tornado activity highlights the importance of being prepared for these events. Residents in tornado-prone areas should have a plan in place and know where to shelter if a tornado warning is issued. “Move over Prairies,” said Environment Canada meteorologist David Phillips. “Ontario is now Canada’s tornado hot spot, and we need to be aware of the risks.” While the Prairies may no longer be the undisputed tornado capital of Canada, it remains a high-risk area. Residents in both Ontario and the Prairies should take precautions to stay safe during tornado season.Canada has the second-highest number of tornadoes in the world, after the United States. The traditional “tornado capital” of Canada was Saskatchewan, with an average of 17 tornadoes per year. However, new data shows that Ontario has become the new tornado capital, with an average of 18 tornadoes per year.Canada has the second-highest number of tornadoes in the world, after the United States. The traditional “tornado capital” of Canada was Saskatchewan, with an average of 17 tornadoes per year. However, new data shows that Ontario has become the new tornado capital, with an average of 18 tornadoes per year. This shift in tornado activity is due to several factors, including better data collection and a change in the location of storms. The Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) has been using satellite imagery and other technologies to identify tornadoes that were previously missed. This has led to a significant increase in the number of tornadoes reported in northwestern Ontario. Another factor is climate change. As the climate warms, the tornado season is getting longer and more tornadoes are occurring. This is because warmer air can hold more moisture, which can fuel thunderstorms. The shift in tornado activity is a reminder that climate change is having a real impact on our weather patterns. It is important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to prepare for tornadoes and other extreme weather events.Ontario Now Canada’s Tornado ‘Hot Spot’ Ontario has surpassed the Prairies as Canada’s province most vulnerable to tornadoes. According to a new study, Ontario experienced 51 tornadoes in the past decade, more than any other region in the country. This is a significant increase from the previous decade, when Ontario had only 26 tornadoes. The study, published in the journal “Climate Change,” found that the increase in tornadoes in Ontario is likely due to changes in the province’s climate. The study found that Ontario has seen a significant increase in the number of days with severe thunderstorms, which are typically associated with tornadoes. The increase in tornadoes in Ontario is a concern for public safety. Tornadoes can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, and can also lead to injuries or death. In light of the findings of the study, the government of Ontario is taking steps to increase awareness of tornadoes and to improve the province’s ability to respond to these events. The government is also working with municipalities to develop tornado preparedness plans and to ensure that buildings are constructed to withstand tornadoes. The increase in tornadoes in Ontario is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events. By taking steps to increase awareness of tornadoes and to improve the province’s ability to respond to these events, we can help to keep our communities safe.