melloInsurance

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tornado saskatchewan

Why are there so many Tornado’s in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan is experiencing an unusually active tornado season.

As of July 14, 2026, 27 tornadoes had been confirmed across the province—far above Saskatchewan’s typical yearly total of approximately 13 to 17. Additional storm investigations are still being completed, meaning that number may continue to rise.

The season has also produced several stronger storms. An EF3 tornado struck the North Portal–Oxbow area on June 9, making it Saskatchewan’s first confirmed EF3 tornado since 2010. More recently, EF1 tornadoes near Speers, Redberry Lake and Petrofka–Waldheim caused damage to homes, businesses, farm properties, vehicles, trees and power infrastructure.

These events are an important reminder that severe weather can develop quickly and affect communities across Saskatchewan with little warning.

Why Has This Tornado Season Been So Active?

Meteorologists have pointed to several conditions that have contributed to this year’s severe storms.

After several relatively dry years, Saskatchewan experienced increased moisture through the winter, spring and early summer. Moisture from growing crops has also entered the atmosphere, while the position of the jet stream has helped create conditions favourable for severe thunderstorms and tornado development.

While not every severe thunderstorm will produce a tornado, Saskatchewan residents should remain prepared whenever watches or warnings are issued.

Know the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning

A tornado watch means conditions are favourable for tornado development. Stay alert, monitor the forecast and be prepared to take shelter.

A tornado warning means a tornado is occurring or is expected soon. Take shelter immediately.

Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your phone and pay attention to updates from Environment and Climate Change Canada, SaskAlert and local authorities.

What to Do During a Tornado

When a warning is issued, move to the lowest level of a sturdy building. A basement is the best option. When a basement is unavailable, choose a small interior room away from windows and exterior walls.

Get underneath sturdy furniture when possible and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

Never open windows and do not use an elevator. Those living in a mobile home should leave immediately and seek shelter in a nearby sturdy building.

When driving, do not attempt to outrun a tornado. Seek shelter in the nearest solid building when possible. Never shelter underneath a bridge or overpass, as winds and flying debris can become even more dangerous in those locations.

What to Do After the Storm

Your safety should always come first. Remain sheltered briefly after the tornado has passed, as dangerous winds, debris or additional storms may still be present.

When it is safe to leave your shelter:

  • Watch for unstable buildings, damaged trees and sharp debris.
  • Stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines.
  • Do not enter a damaged building until it is considered safe.
  • Avoid matches, lighters and electrical switches if you suspect a gas leak.
  • Continue monitoring emergency alerts and follow the instructions of local officials.

If Your Property Has Been Damaged

Once everyone is safe, contact your insurance representative as soon as possible. Your broker can help explain your coverage, begin the claims process and guide you through the next steps.

Before cleaning up or making permanent repairs:

  1. Document the damage. Take detailed photos and videos of your home, farm, business, vehicle and damaged belongings.
  2. Make a written list. Record what was damaged or destroyed, including approximate purchase dates and values when possible.
  3. Keep damaged items. Do not dispose of anything unless it presents an immediate health or safety risk.
  4. Prevent further damage. When it is safe, take reasonable temporary steps such as covering a damaged roof or boarding up broken windows. Hire a qualified professional when the work is unsafe.
  5. Save every receipt. Keep receipts for emergency repairs, cleanup, hotel stays, meals and other temporary expenses.
  6. Speak with your adjuster before permanent repairs. Confirm what work is covered and what documentation will be required.

Coverage, deductibles and policy limits can vary, so it is important to speak directly with your insurance representative about your specific situation.

Review Your Insurance Before the Next Storm

The best time to review your insurance is before severe weather is approaching.

Check that your home, farm, business and vehicles are properly insured. Ask whether your replacement costs and coverage limits remain appropriate, and make sure you understand your deductibles and any optional coverage included in your policy.

It is also a good idea to create a home or business inventory. Photos, videos, receipts and serial numbers can make the claims process much easier if you ever experience a loss.

Block’s Agencies Is Here to Help

Severe weather can be stressful, but you do not have to navigate the insurance process alone.

If your home, farm, business or vehicle has been affected by a storm, contact your local Block’s Agencies office. Our team can help you report your claim, understand the next steps and work through the process with confidence.

Stay alert, stay prepared and stay safe, Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan Sporadic Weather Activity


As you have likely seen, there were tornadoes that recently touched down by the Meadow Lake Provincial Park. We have had some wild windstorms across Saskatchewan which have been accompanied by some decent sized hail as well.  These aren’t huge surprises as we live in Saskatchewan and these storms seem to be an annual occurrence. However, when it does strike your area, it can not only be terrifying, it can be devastating as well.

What can I do to protect my family and my assets in these storms? 

Having a proper emergency protocol is always important. Whether you have a designated room in your basement or you just hide under your staircase, it is important that your family knows what to do in the event of a storm. Avoid going near any windows as broken glass can cause serious injury. 

Having your roof secured with “hurricane straps” to the trusses helps keep your roof firmly attached to your dwelling. For your outbuildings, making sure your bins are anchored and any other structures are on a solid foundation and anchored down is important as well.

If the winds are strong enough, it may not matter how secure your buildings are. In this case it is important to carry the proper insurance coverage to insure your property from these types of windstorm claims. 

Tornadoes and Plow Winds can do serious damage, whether it is by causing direct damage to the buildings, vehicles or equipment, or indirectly, by blowing trees down and then the tree severely damages your property. Having an insurance policy for your home, buildings, vehicles & equipment can make sure your property is covered so you are not in a serious financial loss after the storm subsides. 

Wind & Hail are covered on majority of insurance extensions as it is a named peril. Make sure you confirm with your broker what coverage you actually have on your policy. In some instances, people assume they have coverage and cancel their license plate insurance off their trailers/RVs when they are parked in a year-round seasonal site. Make sure you phone your broker to make sure your extension auto pak covers you during this time, as some policies need to be amended for such a scenario. 

Shingles are commonly damaged when it comes to these elements. It is important to note that insurance companies have started depreciating your roof, if the shingles are over 15 years old, as they wear over time. Doing an annual inspection of your roof (whether it is you or a professional) would be a good thing to do, to maintain and fix any small amounts of damage and make sure your roof is still in good condition for another year of wind, rain, hail, ice & snow. It would be a good idea to clean out your eavestroughs at the same time as these can get blocked up by debris and prevent water from draining properly.

Keeping your property maintained and well looked after, is very important, not only to you, but to your insurance company as well. By looking after your property, you reduce the chance of having a claim and that can benefit your relationship with your insurance company and result in accumulating claims free & loyalty discounts.

These storms can be very scary and can cause an exorbitant amount of damage. Make sure you  have measures in place to keep your family safe, and policies in place to keep you financially safe. Take care out there.