Severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, can develop quickly in Ontario. Understanding how warnings are issued, what they mean, and how to respond is essential for your safety.
Lightning & Thunderstorm Safety
Thunderstorms can bring lightning, heavy rain, strong winds, and hail. Lightning can strike without warning and poses a significant risk on campus. If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
What to Do During a Thunderstorm
- Go indoors immediately when you hear thunder
- Remain inside until 30 minutes after the last thunder
- Stay away from:
- Windows
- Doors
- Electrical equipment
- Plumbing (sinks, showers)
If you are outdoors and unable to reach shelter:
- Avoid open areas, hilltops, and large field spaces
- Stay away from tall objects (trees, light poles)
- Do not lie flat on the ground
On Campus
During thunderstorms:
- Move indoors to the nearest safe building
- Avoid remaining on:
- Athletic fields
- Open courtyards
- Construction areas
Thunderstorms may produce lightning or escalate into more severe conditions, including tornadoes. While lightning requires immediate action based on visible conditions, tornado warnings are issued through Canada’s Alert Ready system.
Tornado Warnings: How You Will Be Notified
Tornado warnings in Canada are issued by Environment Canada and delivered through Alert Ready, Canada’s national public alerting system.
Alert Ready:
- Sends immediate, mandatory alerts to mobile devices, television, and radio
- Is geo-targeted to people within the affected area
- Cannot be turned off and is designed for life‑safety emergencies
Alert Ready is the primary warning system for tornadoes. The University of Waterloo relies on Alert Ready to deliver tornado warnings.
When the University Will Communicate
The University does not duplicate tornado warnings issued through Alert Ready.
Instead, the University will provide additional communication only when campus‑specific information or action is required, including:
- Confirmed impacts on campus (e.g., damage, hazards, power outages)
- Operational disruptions (e.g., class or exam cancellations, building closures)
- Campus‑specific safety instructions (e.g., where to shelter, areas to avoid)
- All‑clear or recovery updates
You may not receive a separate University message during a Tornado Warning. This is because the life‑safety warning has already been delivered through Alert Ready.
What to Do When You Receive a Tornado Warning
When you receive a Tornado Warning through Alert Ready:
- Go indoors immediately
- Move to the lowest level of a building
- Stay in an interior space, away from windows and exterior walls
- Avoid large open areas such as gymnasiums, atriums, or lecture halls
- Remain in place until the threat has passed
Sheltering on Campus
If you are on campus, the safest spaces include:
- Interior hallways
- Lower‑level rooms
- Areas without windows
Avoid:
- Glass atriums
- Large open spaces
- Areas near windows or exterior walls
After the Storm
If there are impacts on campus, the University may provide updates through:
- Email or campus notifications
- The University website
- Other official communication channels
These updates will focus on:
- Safety hazards
- Building access
- Operational changes
- All‑clear messaging
Stay Prepared
You can prepare by:
- Familiarizing yourself with Alert Ready notifications
- Knowing where to shelter in your building
- Paying attention to weather conditions during severe weather events