Leave 'storm porn' to professionals, urge weather experts

Manitobans must start heeding warnings to take shelter in severe weather not stand around taking photos and videos as many did during last weekend's tornadoes and storms, the emergency measures minister says.

It was "a miracle" that no one was killed after tornadoes and violent thunderstorms tore through parts of southern Manitoba Friday and Saturday, Steve Ashton said Monday.

Numerous photos and video footageof funnel clouds and tornadoes captured by people inManitoba during the severe weather have appeared in newspapers and on television, as well as on the popular video-sharing website YouTube.

Many images showed individuals or groups even small children watching the skies instead of hiding from the dangerous weather.

"We are certainly concerned of the degree to which some people don't understand the full risks of tornadoes," Ashton said.

"This is not about getting the best YouTube video. I really want to put forward that tornado safety comes from recognizing that they appear to move fairly slowly, but they are unpredictable."

"It's almost what I've called 'storm porn,' " David Phillips, one of Environment Canada's top weather experts, told CBC News.

"Hey, it's quite visual and it's quite spectacular but also it's rather foolish to go after them."

Amateur storm chasers have been seriously hurt in the past, Phillips said. He recommends leaving the storm chasing to trained professionals.

According to most weather authorities, including Environment Canada, the best option in the event of a tornado is to head fora basement, or if one is not available, a closet or small room in the centre of a building, away from windows or doors.

If outdoors or in a vehicle, people should find a ditch, lie low and shield their heads. People in mobile homes should leave them and take cover in permanent shelters or ditches, experts advise.

Ashton also askedManitobans to have respect for people whose homes or businesses were destroyed or damaged by the storms.

They deserve privacy while organizing, cleaning up and rebuilding on their properties, he said.