Severe storms outside Canada

Severe storms, such as hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, monsoons and tornados, can happen anywhere at any time and sometimes occur with little warning.

On this page

• Potential impacts of a storm on your destination
• When and where severe storms might occur
• Before you go
• While you're away
• If your destination is affected by a storm

Potential impacts of a storm on your destination

Severe storms can produce extreme winds, electrical storms, torrential rains, high waves, flash floods and landslides, depending on the type of storm and where they occur. They can lead to significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure inland or along coastlines.

Some areas, including small islands, may be cut off for extended periods.

Severe storms can, in exceptional circumstances, fan existing wildfires, even hundreds of kilometres away.

Essential services can be disrupted. Affected services could include medical care, transportation, power distribution, telecommunications networks and supplies of water, food and fuel.

You could become stranded for a long time waiting for flights to resume and roads to reopen.

Our ability to help you may become limited.

When and where severe storms might occur

To find out whether your destination is prone to severe storms and what time of year they are most likely to occur, consult Travel Advice and Advisories.

Before you go

• Check your destination on Travel Advice and Advisories at least twice: while planning your trip and just before you go, to verify that it is safe to travel to your destination.
• Confirm your travel arrangements.
• Make sure your travel insurance covers trip cancellation and interruption.
• Leave copies of the following travel documents with someone you trust at home:
  • your travel itinerary
  • information about your flights, hotels and cruise ship bookings
  • telephone numbers
  • email addresses
  • contact information for your tour operator
• Sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, which allows us to contact you with:
  • important information in preparation for or during an emergency
  • updates to our Travel Advice and Advisories
• Sign up for our emailed travel updates.
• Follow us on X and Facebook.

While you're away

• Have contact information handy for:
  • the nearest Canadian government office to your destination
  • the Emergency Watch and Response Centre, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Keep in close contact with your family and friends so they are aware of your situation.
• Monitor local media for the latest weather forecasts, including warnings and advisories

If your destination is affected by a storm

Before the storm

• Know the local emergency phone numbers.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit that includes food, water, medicine and personal items.
• Make a plan in case you have to evacuate:
  • make sure you have transportation, locate nearby shelters and identify routes you can take
  • if you have family or friends travelling with you, go over your emergency plan with them

During the storm

• Check for alerts on TV, radio or online.
• In most parts of the world, there are 2 kinds of alerts:
  • a storm watch means a storm is possible in a stated area (usually announced 48 hours before a tropical storm is expected)
  • a storm warning means a storm is expected in a stated area (this type of alert is more serious and is usually given 36 hours before a tropical storm is expected)

If you have to shelter in place:

• keep your emergency supply kit close by
• listen to the TV or radio, or check online for updates
• stay inside—do not go outside until you get an official message that the storm is over
• stay away from windows
• be ready to leave if emergency authorities order you to leave or if your hotel or accommodation is damaged

If you have to evacuate:

• follow the advice of local authorities on when and where to shelter
• bring your emergency supply kit; take only those items you really need:
  • cellphone and charger
  • medicines
  • identification, such as passport or driver’s licence
  • cash
• follow the roads that emergency workers recommend, even if there’s traffic (other routes might be blocked or flooded)
• never drive through flooded areas

After the storm

Even after you get an official message that the storm is over, there can still be danger and safety hazards in your area:

• stay out of flood water and don’t drive in flooded areas:
  • cars can be swept away or may stall in moving water
  • if you have to be in or near flood water, wear a life jacket
• be careful near damaged buildings and do not enter them until local authorities determine they are safe:
  • if you are in a building, leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises
• stay away from power lines
• let your family and friends in Canada know you are safe 

Related links

• Travel Advice and Advisories
• Registration of Canadians Abroad
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Be prepared during hurricane season

Other resources

• Tornado alerts (U.S. government)
• National Hurricane Center (U.S. government)
• Tropical storm risk (EuroTempest)
• Get prepared: Hurricanes (Public Safety Canada)
• Hurricane forecasts and facts