SUMMER WATCHES AND WARNINGS Environment Canada issues severe weather watches as a heads up to residents and visitors. They tell you when severe weather is likely to develop. The lead time is normally two (2) to six (6) hours. Thunderstorms, however, often form quickly so the lead times may be less than two (2) hours. All watches are either updated or ended. If you hear that a storm watch has been issued, please watch the skies and listen to your local Canadian radio or television station, Environment Canada’s weather radio broadcasts or visit the weather website.
A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when weather conditions indicate the likely development of thunderstorms, some of which may become severe.
A tornado watch is issued when a thunderstorm could possibly spawn tornadoes.
Severe weather warnings are issued only when severe weather is occurring or is about to occur. The weather service tries to provide lead time of 15 minutes to two (2) hours. Usually a watch is issued first, followed by warnings. In some situations, thunderstorms develop quickly and the warning is issued immediately.
LIGHTNING SAFETY In Canada, lightning kills between six and twelve people each year and causes 92-164 injuries. Outdoor recreational enthusiasts account for 70% of the victims killed and 62% of the injuries.
Stay away from objects that conduct electricity, such as metal fences, bats, and bicycles. Don't carry softball bats, or an umbrella. Don't wear metal cleats.
If you are in a group in the open, spread out, keeping people several metres apart.
If caught in a field far from shelter and you feel your hair stand on end, lightning may be about to hit you. Crouch on the ground immediately, with feet together, placing your hands on your knees and bending forward. Do not lie flat.
Unsafe places are near metal or water; under trees; on hills, near electrical/electronic equipment.
Lightning likes power lines, metal, electrical conductors, high places, prominent or tall objects. It looks for the easiest or shortest path to the ground.
Safe places are homes and buildings. Close windows and doors then stay away from them. Lightning can go through both. It can strike through walls too, so stay away from outside walls if you can.
Most cars and trucks are safe too. The metal body shields the interior (the tires have no effect).
If you're caught in the open, try a valley or ravine. Get low. If you're in a wooded area, hide near a small tree or shrub.
If no shelter is available, crouch down, feet close together with head tucked down.
Don't be the tallest object around. Stay away from the tallest objects too.
USE THE 30/30 RULE
The 30/30 rule (rule 1 and 2) says to shut down when lightning is 10 km's away.
Use a "flash to bang" (lightning to thunder) count of five seconds equals 1.2 km's.
Keep an eye on the sky. Note when skies darken or gusty winds develop. Have a place of shelter in mind, and a plan to get there.
Rule 1: When you can count less than 30 seconds between the lightning strike and the thunder, the storm is less than 10 km away. There is an 80% chance the next strike will happen within that 10 km. It is time to take cover.
Rule 2: Wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before resuming your activity. Naturally, watch for broken tree limbs, fallen power lines or flooding that may have been caused by the storm.
OBTAINING WEATHER INFORMATION Environment Canada provides summer weather information to the public through local radio and television stations, the Weatheradio network and their website at www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca. Please ensure your event stays informed for the protection of all players, fans and volunteers. Stay alert, stay safe and enjoy the game.
*The above information is provided by Environment Canada