Summertime is here, and with peak storm season ramping up across the prairies, it's important to be prepared.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, on average, about 43 tornadoes occur across the prairies, and about 17 occur across Ontario and Quebec each year. Meteorologist Natalie Hasell says there are all sorts of situations in which funnel clouds develop, but not all of them lead to tornadoes.

"It's hard to tell the difference so, if you see something that looks like a rotating column of air pendulous (hanging down) from the bottom of a convective cloud, think of it as a potential tornado and seek shelter," says Hasell. "If you don't remember anything else about this...seek shelter; preferably in a well-constructed building where you have electrical and plumbing so that you're safe from the lightning."

When a tornado strikes, it usually moves along a narrow path from the southwest, west or northwest but can suddenly switch direction. Ground speeds of a tornado can vary from nearly stationary to 90 km/h. Tornadic storms can produce high winds and hail, so Hasell says the lower you go, the better.

"If you have a real basement in your home, that's where you should head so that anything flying flies above you and not into you," says Hasell. "If you do not have a real basement or foundation in your home -- use a small interior space like a closet or a small washroom with as many walls between you and the outside as possible."

If you're caught outdoors in a tornado with no shelter available, you should lie flat in a ditch, ravine or low-lying area and shield your head with your arms. If you do see a tornado that looks like it's not moving, it's likely either moving straight away from you or towards you. That's why Hasell says it's important to remain vigilant.

"Pay attention, look up at the sky, and look at how people are behaving. (You should) have access to the forecast and access to weather watches or warnings have been issued for your area," says Hasell. "Remember, even non-severe thunderstorms are dangerous. Almost any kind of thunderstorm can produce tornadoes if the situation is right, or the conditions are right."