Tornadoes are columns of air that spin at a high rate of speed. They are small in scale but can be very violent. The area affected by a tornado's passage is between about 40 and 400 metres in width and between 1.7 and 36 kilometres in length. During a tornado the damage is due to wind as well as an extremely sudden drop in pressure. Tornadoes vary in intensity, measured on the Fujita or F scale, graduated from 0 to 5 based on the level of damage. The main season for tornadoes is from April to October, and every province is subject to the risk of tornadoes. This layer shows some of the major tornadoes that happened in Canada since the beginning of the 20th century to 1999.

The United States experienced a significant surge in tornado activity in 2024, with 1,910 reported across the country. This marked a substantial increase from previous years, highlighting the unpredictable nature of these violent atmospheric phenomena. Fatalities and economic impact While tornado frequency increased, the death toll from such events remained relatively low compared to historical peaks. In 2023, 86 fatalities were reported due to tornadoes, a notable increase from the 23 deaths in 2022 but far below the 553 lives lost in 2011. Moreover, the economic impact of these storms was substantial, with tornado damage in 2023 amounting to approximately 1.38 billion U.S. dollars, nearly doubling from the previous year. However, this pales in comparison to the record-setting damage of 9.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2011. Comparison to other extreme weather events While tornadoes pose significant risks, hurricanes have historically caused more extensive damage and loss of life in the United States. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 remains the costliest tropical cyclone in recent decades, with damages totaling 200 billion U.S. dollars when adjusted to 2024 values. The impact of such extreme weather events extends beyond immediate destruction, as evidenced by the 1,518 hurricane-related fatalities recorded in 2005. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, both tornado and hurricane activity may see further shifts in frequency and intensity in the years to come.

A database of verified tornado occurrences across Canada has been created covering the 30-year period from 1980 to 2009. The tornado data have undergone a number of quality control checks and represent the most current knowledge of past tornado events over the period. However, updates may be made to the database as new or more accurate information becomes available. The data have been converted to a geo-referenced mapping file that can be viewed and manipulated using GIS software.

A database of verified tornado tracks across Canada has been created covering the 30-year period from 1980 to 2009. The tornado data have undergone a number of quality control checks and represent the most current knowledge of past tornado events over the period. However, updates may be made to the database as new or more accurate information becomes available. The data have been converted to a geo-referenced mapping file that can be viewed and manipulated using GIS software.

The global OCT Spectrometer market is experiencing robust growth, driven by advancements in medical imaging and material science. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $500 million, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12% from 2025 to 2033. This significant expansion is fueled by several key factors. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases requiring advanced diagnostic tools, such as ophthalmological conditions and cardiovascular diseases, is a major driver. Furthermore, the rising adoption of minimally invasive procedures and the growing demand for high-resolution imaging in various applications, including dermatology and material inspection, contribute to the market's upward trajectory. Technological advancements leading to smaller, more portable, and cost-effective OCT spectrometers are also expanding market accessibility. Several trends are shaping the future of the OCT Spectrometer market. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms for automated image analysis and improved diagnostic accuracy is gaining significant traction. Furthermore, the development of novel spectral-domain and swept-source OCT technologies is enhancing image quality and speed. Despite the positive outlook, some restraints remain, including the high cost of advanced OCT systems, the need for skilled professionals for operation and interpretation, and regulatory hurdles in certain regions. However, the continuous innovation and increasing investment in research and development are expected to mitigate these challenges, leading to sustained growth in the coming years. Segmentation analysis indicates strong growth across portable devices, owing to their convenience and adaptability in various settings, alongside significant demand within the angiography, retinal imaging, and high-resolution material inspection application segments.