Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What do I do during a Tornado Warning or Watch?!
A: For tornado safety, please visit the National Weather Service’s page https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado or alternatively, Environment Canada’s page http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/trnds-drng-eng.aspx - As well, download our free app Instant Weather and enable notifications in order to get the most up-to-date warnings, watches, statements, advisories or our own custom updates regarding tornadoes and severe weather. We try our best to track as many dangerous storms as we possibly can and let you about them as soon as we possibly can!
Q: I read the website about preparing and I am still scared!
A: Please don't be afraid. The more you know about a situation, the better chance you have to be prepared and the less scary it becomes. We'll also do our best to answer your questions and walk you through the severe event until the watches and warnings have ended.
Q: What is the difference between a Watch and a Warning?
A: A Watch means there is potential for Severe weather or Tornadoes in the near future. A Warning means TAKE SHELTER NOW as weather moves quickly and by the time you receive the Warning, the storm or Tornado could be in your area and you may only have seconds or minutes to react.
Q: Should I take Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Watches seriously? They’re not as bad as Tornado Warnings, right?
A: Severe Thunderstorms have the ability to produce Tornadoes. Most Tornado Warnings begin as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, then a Severe Thunderstorm Warning and finally, upgraded to a Tornado Warning. Take shelter during a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is still important as it could bring other risks like damaging wind gusts, large hail, flooding and lightning. And in some cases, a tornado can touchdown before a Tornado Warning is issued. Therefore, if you’re already taking shelter or preparing to, you’ll have a much better chance of staying safe. Long story short, please take any Watches or Warning seriously. They are not issued lightly.
Q: Who is Instant Weather?
A: Instant Weather is team made up of several meteorologists, trained storm spotters, experienced storm chasers and weather enthusiasts that share a common passion to raising awareness about tornadoes and severe weather. You can read more about our story by clicking here.
Q: Are you a Government organization?
A: We are an independent group of passionate weather enthusiasts that want to help raise awareness about the threat of tornadoes and severe weather. We are not a government organization but we do post all government issued Watches and Warnings.
Q: Can I help Instant Weather?
A: Yes of course! If you see any threatening weather, please post it on our wall or message us directly! We need everyone in the community to help with severe weather reports as radar can only show us part of the picture.
Q: Can I post my photos or videos?
A: Yes! If you record video or take a photo, we encourage you to post it or send it directly to us as it will help us analyze the storm in your area and could potentially shed light on a potential tornado or severe weather risk.
Q: When I asked "can I help", I meant I am a passionate weather enthusiast who is an experienced storm chaser, trained storm spotter or have a degree in meteorology and I'd like to help track these storms and post about them. Is this possible?
A: We are always on the lookout for passionate members of our team! Please send us an email at help@InstantWeather.ca and tell us about your passionate for weather and we’ll get back to you ASAP. We’re not always looking for team members but we’ll certainly file your message in our applications folder for when we are looking for someone!
Q: Your question list does not contain my question. Is my question not a frequently asked question? Am I that unique?
A: Yes, you are very unique. This is a good thing! We are willing to answer any questions you may have so please contact us directly at help@InstantWeather.ca
Thank you from all of us here at Instant Weather and please share our community pages and free app Instant Weather with your friends and family! This will help us keep everyone informed and continue to raise awareness about tornadoes and severe weather.
We also ask that you please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy at the bottom of our website and if you have any questions, contact us direct at help@InstantWeather.ca
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
- Adam & the IW team
