Canadian Severe Storms Lab
@cssl.ca
The Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory (CSSL) at Western University is the authoritative source for severe convective storms data and research in Canada.
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
The CSSL/NTP assisted the US National Weather Service (NWS) with their upgrading of the official rating of the June 2025 Enderlin, ND tornado from EF3 to EF5.
Announced by the NWS today, it’s the first EF5-rated tornado in the US since 2013.
Details here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
Image B. Emfinger
Announced by the NWS today, it’s the first EF5-rated tornado in the US since 2013.
Details here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
Image B. Emfinger
October 6, 2025 at 6:16 PM
The CSSL/NTP assisted the US National Weather Service (NWS) with their upgrading of the official rating of the June 2025 Enderlin, ND tornado from EF3 to EF5.
Announced by the NWS today, it’s the first EF5-rated tornado in the US since 2013.
Details here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
Image B. Emfinger
Announced by the NWS today, it’s the first EF5-rated tornado in the US since 2013.
Details here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
Image B. Emfinger
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
Excited to announce that my method for estimating wind speeds based on lofted debris in tornadoes was used as contextual evidence for upgrading the Enderlin, ND tornado to an EF5!
doi.org/10.1175/MWR-...
#NDwx #Enderlin #EF5 #Tornado
doi.org/10.1175/MWR-...
#NDwx #Enderlin #EF5 #Tornado
October 6, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Excited to announce that my method for estimating wind speeds based on lofted debris in tornadoes was used as contextual evidence for upgrading the Enderlin, ND tornado to an EF5!
doi.org/10.1175/MWR-...
#NDwx #Enderlin #EF5 #Tornado
doi.org/10.1175/MWR-...
#NDwx #Enderlin #EF5 #Tornado
Two new open access journal papers today from CSSL researchers!
Stochastic Modeling of Radar-derived Maximum Estimated Size of Hail for Scenario-based Hail Loss Estimation
doi.org/10.1016/j.ij...
Multi-Level In-Situ Measurements During a Direct Hit by a Significant Tornado
doi.org/10.1080/0705...
Stochastic Modeling of Radar-derived Maximum Estimated Size of Hail for Scenario-based Hail Loss Estimation
doi.org/10.1016/j.ij...
Multi-Level In-Situ Measurements During a Direct Hit by a Significant Tornado
doi.org/10.1080/0705...
September 16, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Two new open access journal papers today from CSSL researchers!
Stochastic Modeling of Radar-derived Maximum Estimated Size of Hail for Scenario-based Hail Loss Estimation
doi.org/10.1016/j.ij...
Multi-Level In-Situ Measurements During a Direct Hit by a Significant Tornado
doi.org/10.1080/0705...
Stochastic Modeling of Radar-derived Maximum Estimated Size of Hail for Scenario-based Hail Loss Estimation
doi.org/10.1016/j.ij...
Multi-Level In-Situ Measurements During a Direct Hit by a Significant Tornado
doi.org/10.1080/0705...
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
**Damage Survey Announcement: Following an extreme rainfall event and resulting flash flooding across SE Manitoba on Sept 11 & 12, a CSSL damage survey team will be conducting an assessment of the event's impacts. Please let us know if you have any rainfall and/or damage reports! #mbstorm @cssl.ca
September 14, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
The NTP has confirmed that a downburst (paired with large hail) caused high-end EF1 damage in the Brooks, AB area on August 20.
Details at the NTP blog here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
Note that ongoing analysis may result in additional events and/or a rating upgrade.
#ABstorm #SKstorm
Details at the NTP blog here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
Note that ongoing analysis may result in additional events and/or a rating upgrade.
#ABstorm #SKstorm
August 28, 2025 at 4:14 PM
The NTP has confirmed that a downburst (paired with large hail) caused high-end EF1 damage in the Brooks, AB area on August 20.
Details at the NTP blog here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
Note that ongoing analysis may result in additional events and/or a rating upgrade.
#ABstorm #SKstorm
Details at the NTP blog here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
Note that ongoing analysis may result in additional events and/or a rating upgrade.
#ABstorm #SKstorm
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
The NTP has confirmed two EF1 downbursts (one being a microburst), an EF0 tornado and a gustnado from the SK storms of Aug 20 near Saskatoon.
The assessments are based on witness reports, an NTP damage survey, and radar/satellite imagery analysis.
Details here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
#SKstorm
The assessments are based on witness reports, an NTP damage survey, and radar/satellite imagery analysis.
Details here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
#SKstorm
August 28, 2025 at 4:07 PM
The NTP has confirmed two EF1 downbursts (one being a microburst), an EF0 tornado and a gustnado from the SK storms of Aug 20 near Saskatoon.
The assessments are based on witness reports, an NTP damage survey, and radar/satellite imagery analysis.
Details here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
#SKstorm
The assessments are based on witness reports, an NTP damage survey, and radar/satellite imagery analysis.
Details here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
#SKstorm
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
New Paper Alert! "Analysis of Forest-Based Tornadoes Using Treefall Patterns" in Monthly Weather Review, authored by our team at @cssl.ca and led by PhD candidate Daniel Butt. Based on this and other techniques, we may be able to re-rate some Canadian tornadoes.
journals.ametsoc.org/view/journal...
journals.ametsoc.org/view/journal...
August 22, 2025 at 5:28 PM
New Paper Alert! "Analysis of Forest-Based Tornadoes Using Treefall Patterns" in Monthly Weather Review, authored by our team at @cssl.ca and led by PhD candidate Daniel Butt. Based on this and other techniques, we may be able to re-rate some Canadian tornadoes.
journals.ametsoc.org/view/journal...
journals.ametsoc.org/view/journal...
UPDATE: Two NTP teams will investigate wind damage, one in SE AB and one in central SK. The NHP will also have a team investigating hail damage in the Cassils / Brooks, AB area.
Please send significant damage reports to @ntp-reports.bsky.social and @nhp-reports.bsky.social. #ABstorm #SKstorm
Please send significant damage reports to @ntp-reports.bsky.social and @nhp-reports.bsky.social. #ABstorm #SKstorm
There are numerous reports of significant wind damage in southeastern Alberta from intense storms earlier today. Hail damage has also been reported.
An NTP survey team will leave tomorrow for the area to thoroughly assess the damage.
Please send damage reports to @ntp-reports.bsky.social. #ABstorm
An NTP survey team will leave tomorrow for the area to thoroughly assess the damage.
Please send damage reports to @ntp-reports.bsky.social. #ABstorm
August 21, 2025 at 7:45 PM
UPDATE: Two NTP teams will investigate wind damage, one in SE AB and one in central SK. The NHP will also have a team investigating hail damage in the Cassils / Brooks, AB area.
Please send significant damage reports to @ntp-reports.bsky.social and @nhp-reports.bsky.social. #ABstorm #SKstorm
Please send significant damage reports to @ntp-reports.bsky.social and @nhp-reports.bsky.social. #ABstorm #SKstorm
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
There are numerous reports of significant wind damage in southeastern Alberta from intense storms earlier today. Hail damage has also been reported.
An NTP survey team will leave tomorrow for the area to thoroughly assess the damage.
Please send damage reports to @ntp-reports.bsky.social. #ABstorm
An NTP survey team will leave tomorrow for the area to thoroughly assess the damage.
Please send damage reports to @ntp-reports.bsky.social. #ABstorm
August 21, 2025 at 3:56 AM
There are numerous reports of significant wind damage in southeastern Alberta from intense storms earlier today. Hail damage has also been reported.
An NTP survey team will leave tomorrow for the area to thoroughly assess the damage.
Please send damage reports to @ntp-reports.bsky.social. #ABstorm
An NTP survey team will leave tomorrow for the area to thoroughly assess the damage.
Please send damage reports to @ntp-reports.bsky.social. #ABstorm
The Canadian Severe Storms Lab is excited to be a sponsor of the 41st AMS International Conference on Radar Meteorology in Toronto next week. Welcome to all those travelling from afar!
And it looks to be a stellar program - have a look here: www.ametsoc.org/ams/meetings...
#AMS41Radar
And it looks to be a stellar program - have a look here: www.ametsoc.org/ams/meetings...
#AMS41Radar
August 20, 2025 at 8:01 PM
The Canadian Severe Storms Lab is excited to be a sponsor of the 41st AMS International Conference on Radar Meteorology in Toronto next week. Welcome to all those travelling from afar!
And it looks to be a stellar program - have a look here: www.ametsoc.org/ams/meetings...
#AMS41Radar
And it looks to be a stellar program - have a look here: www.ametsoc.org/ams/meetings...
#AMS41Radar
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
“Scientists-turned-storm chasers” are tracking down Alberta hail storms to better understand how to protect against them.
Researchers from the Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory ( @cssl.ca ) at #WesternU spoke with the @theglobeandmail.com about the Northern Hail Project.
Researchers from the Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory ( @cssl.ca ) at #WesternU spoke with the @theglobeandmail.com about the Northern Hail Project.
In Alberta’s ‘Hailstorm Alley,’ scientists-turned-storm-chasers look into the eye of the storm for answers
Researchers from Western University aim to use data from hard-hit areas to help Canada better understand – and protect against – dangerous and costly hail damage
buff.ly
August 11, 2025 at 7:13 PM
“Scientists-turned-storm chasers” are tracking down Alberta hail storms to better understand how to protect against them.
Researchers from the Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory ( @cssl.ca ) at #WesternU spoke with the @theglobeandmail.com about the Northern Hail Project.
Researchers from the Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory ( @cssl.ca ) at #WesternU spoke with the @theglobeandmail.com about the Northern Hail Project.
Follow the link below to a new article on the detection and prediction of 'extreme' thunderstorms by Drs. Sills and Kopp of the Canadian Severe Storm Laboratory. Published in The Conversation (Canada). Let us know what you think!
theconversation.com/its-challeng...
theconversation.com/its-challeng...
It’s challenging to predict extreme thunderstorms — improving this will help reduce their deadly and costly impacts
Current models for weather forecasting tend to ignore outlier data; learning how to incorporate these can help reduce risk and increase community resiliency.
theconversation.com
August 7, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Follow the link below to a new article on the detection and prediction of 'extreme' thunderstorms by Drs. Sills and Kopp of the Canadian Severe Storm Laboratory. Published in The Conversation (Canada). Let us know what you think!
theconversation.com/its-challeng...
theconversation.com/its-challeng...
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
Spark had the best rainy day with the Canadian Severe Storm Lab. Guests got to learn how the Northern Hail Project team tracks down the perfect #storm and the tools used to get hail data!
They also showed off their storm-chasing vehicles and surveillance drones. ⛈️
Thanks for coming @cssl.ca!
They also showed off their storm-chasing vehicles and surveillance drones. ⛈️
Thanks for coming @cssl.ca!
July 22, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
Calgary has a long history of intense hailstorms, and this summer is no different.
@weathernetwork.bsky.social spoke with #WesternU hail researcher Matthew Woodward, who is on the ground documenting damage from a recent storm for @cssl.ca
@weathernetwork.bsky.social spoke with #WesternU hail researcher Matthew Woodward, who is on the ground documenting damage from a recent storm for @cssl.ca
Hail damage across Calgary has teams documenting the fallout - The Weather Network
Researchers from Western University are closely examining the damage caused by a hailstorm in Calgary on July 13 to improve preparations for this recurring type of event. Connor O'Donovan reports.
buff.ly
July 21, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Calgary has a long history of intense hailstorms, and this summer is no different.
@weathernetwork.bsky.social spoke with #WesternU hail researcher Matthew Woodward, who is on the ground documenting damage from a recent storm for @cssl.ca
@weathernetwork.bsky.social spoke with #WesternU hail researcher Matthew Woodward, who is on the ground documenting damage from a recent storm for @cssl.ca
What Canada could learn from the tragic consequences of the Texas flash flood (written by Dr. Gordon McBean) theconversation.com/what-canada-...
What Canada could learn from the tragic consequences of the Texas flash flood
Flash floods are increasing in frequency, severity and impact. The Canadian government needs to learn from the Texas tragedy and co-ordinate weather information and warning systems.
theconversation.com
July 16, 2025 at 12:27 PM
What Canada could learn from the tragic consequences of the Texas flash flood (written by Dr. Gordon McBean) theconversation.com/what-canada-...
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
Come here…to Toronto!
Registration is now open for the @ametsoc.org @ametsoc-radar.bsky.social 41st International Conference on Radar Meteorology!
www.ametsoc.org/ams/meetings...
Registration is now open for the @ametsoc.org @ametsoc-radar.bsky.social 41st International Conference on Radar Meteorology!
www.ametsoc.org/ams/meetings...
a bald man with a ring on his finger is pointing at the camera
ALT: a bald man with a ring on his finger is pointing at the camera
media.tenor.com
July 8, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Come here…to Toronto!
Registration is now open for the @ametsoc.org @ametsoc-radar.bsky.social 41st International Conference on Radar Meteorology!
www.ametsoc.org/ams/meetings...
Registration is now open for the @ametsoc.org @ametsoc-radar.bsky.social 41st International Conference on Radar Meteorology!
www.ametsoc.org/ams/meetings...
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
After extensive analysis, the NTP is able to provide documentation for the 10 tornadoes that occurred as part of an outbreak in southern SK on June 19th. The outbreak included 2 EF2 and three EF1 tornadoes.
Full details at www.uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
#SKstorm
Full details at www.uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
#SKstorm
July 10, 2025 at 10:14 PM
After extensive analysis, the NTP is able to provide documentation for the 10 tornadoes that occurred as part of an outbreak in southern SK on June 19th. The outbreak included 2 EF2 and three EF1 tornadoes.
Full details at www.uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
#SKstorm
Full details at www.uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
#SKstorm
The CSSL is featured in the current episode of CBC Radio's Quirks and Quarks! Head here for the link to the audio:
www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks...
Thanks to our colleagues Harold Brooks, John Allen, Paul Kovacs and Tanya Brown-Giammanco for contributing.
www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks...
Thanks to our colleagues Harold Brooks, John Allen, Paul Kovacs and Tanya Brown-Giammanco for contributing.
May 30, 2025 at 9:02 PM
The CSSL is featured in the current episode of CBC Radio's Quirks and Quarks! Head here for the link to the audio:
www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks...
Thanks to our colleagues Harold Brooks, John Allen, Paul Kovacs and Tanya Brown-Giammanco for contributing.
www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks...
Thanks to our colleagues Harold Brooks, John Allen, Paul Kovacs and Tanya Brown-Giammanco for contributing.
Big crowd for this month’s CSSL Seminar now that all of the interns have started (there are even more online). Speaking today is Dr. Connell Miller, Director of CSSL’s Northern Mesonet Project (@westernunmp.bsky.social), on experimental tornado wind estimation methods. @westernuresearch.bsky.social
May 14, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Big crowd for this month’s CSSL Seminar now that all of the interns have started (there are even more online). Speaking today is Dr. Connell Miller, Director of CSSL’s Northern Mesonet Project (@westernunmp.bsky.social), on experimental tornado wind estimation methods. @westernuresearch.bsky.social
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
The NTP has confirmed that a tornado occurred in southern Alberta near Rolling Hills yesterday. Analysis of photos/video, radar and storm environment indicates that this was a 'landspout'-type tornado. It is also the first recorded tornado of the year in Canada. Further details soon. #ABstorm
Another incredible photo of the landspout tornado half an hour ago near Tilley and Rolling Hills from Bantry Seed Farms #abstorm
April 13, 2025 at 12:42 PM
The NTP has confirmed that a tornado occurred in southern Alberta near Rolling Hills yesterday. Analysis of photos/video, radar and storm environment indicates that this was a 'landspout'-type tornado. It is also the first recorded tornado of the year in Canada. Further details soon. #ABstorm
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
The NTP has completed a third Tornado Warning Performance Assessment for Canada, this time covering 2023-2024. It includes a 'report card' on progress.
And we're happy to report that there has been progress - the overall score has improved enough to earn a 'C'.
Details here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
And we're happy to report that there has been progress - the overall score has improved enough to earn a 'C'.
Details here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
April 3, 2025 at 3:01 PM
The NTP has completed a third Tornado Warning Performance Assessment for Canada, this time covering 2023-2024. It includes a 'report card' on progress.
And we're happy to report that there has been progress - the overall score has improved enough to earn a 'C'.
Details here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
And we're happy to report that there has been progress - the overall score has improved enough to earn a 'C'.
Details here: uwo.ca/ntp/blog/202...
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
A very big update is now live on the Canadian Mesonet Portal! This includes new meteorological variables, saving / exporting settings and more! For more details, you can check out the link below. But here are the main highlights for you to see in a 🧵:
www.uwo.ca/nmp/news/202...
www.uwo.ca/nmp/news/202...
February 5, 2025 at 4:03 PM
A very big update is now live on the Canadian Mesonet Portal! This includes new meteorological variables, saving / exporting settings and more! For more details, you can check out the link below. But here are the main highlights for you to see in a 🧵:
www.uwo.ca/nmp/news/202...
www.uwo.ca/nmp/news/202...
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
NTP's Annual Report for 2024 is now available!
The 2024 Canadian tornado season started Mar 16 and ended Nov 10 - the longest on record since at least 1980. And the 129 tornadoes for the year comes second only to 2022 when there was 131.
Press release and link: news.westernu.ca/2025/02/torn...
The 2024 Canadian tornado season started Mar 16 and ended Nov 10 - the longest on record since at least 1980. And the 129 tornadoes for the year comes second only to 2022 when there was 131.
Press release and link: news.westernu.ca/2025/02/torn...
February 6, 2025 at 8:29 PM
NTP's Annual Report for 2024 is now available!
The 2024 Canadian tornado season started Mar 16 and ended Nov 10 - the longest on record since at least 1980. And the 129 tornadoes for the year comes second only to 2022 when there was 131.
Press release and link: news.westernu.ca/2025/02/torn...
The 2024 Canadian tornado season started Mar 16 and ended Nov 10 - the longest on record since at least 1980. And the 129 tornadoes for the year comes second only to 2022 when there was 131.
Press release and link: news.westernu.ca/2025/02/torn...
There is one remaining online info session for those interested in CSSL intern opportunities - Jan 23 at 7 pm ET. Note the application deadline is Jan 27.
You can learn more about the CSSL internship program and how to register for the info session here: westernuniversity.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
You can learn more about the CSSL internship program and how to register for the info session here: westernuniversity.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
January 21, 2025 at 11:40 PM
There is one remaining online info session for those interested in CSSL intern opportunities - Jan 23 at 7 pm ET. Note the application deadline is Jan 27.
You can learn more about the CSSL internship program and how to register for the info session here: westernuniversity.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
You can learn more about the CSSL internship program and how to register for the info session here: westernuniversity.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Reposted by Canadian Severe Storms Lab
The sad news reached us that Chuck Doswell has passed away. ESSL will be forever grateful for his intensive engagement. With his unique talent to reduce severe storm science to its core and his engaging style of teaching and friendliness he has made an enormous impact on European storm research.
January 18, 2025 at 10:40 PM
The sad news reached us that Chuck Doswell has passed away. ESSL will be forever grateful for his intensive engagement. With his unique talent to reduce severe storm science to its core and his engaging style of teaching and friendliness he has made an enormous impact on European storm research.