Ottawa has issued a weather shawarma graphic to explain the difference between a weather watch and a weather warning.
It used the Middle Eastern dish to educate Ottawa residents about weather warnings and was named “Canada’s Shawarma Capital.”

When Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch and severe thunderstorm warning for Ottawa, the city shared posts on social media titled “Shawarma Watch vs. Shawarma Warning.”

City said, “Here in #OttCity, we know our shawarma, but weather alerts can be confusing, so let’s talk about the difference between a 'watch' and a 'warning',” adding, “which includes images of shawarma ingredients and ready-to-eat shawarma.

It emphasized, “Remember: ‘watch’ means we have all the ingredients for a storm. ‘Warning’ means the storm is assembled and ready.”

In an article posted on the City of Ottawa’s website titled “Summer Storms: Be Aware, Be Prepared,” it is important to stay updated on weather reports and “always be prepared.”

Ottawa has experienced several severe thunderstorm watches, warnings, and tornado alerts over the past few summers.

Last summer, three tornadoes touched down in Ottawa in July and August.

The City of Ottawa has tried to educate Ottawa residents about the difference between weather watches and weather warnings. (City of Ottawa Facebook page)

The city stated that these are the differences between each weather alert:

Special Weather Statement: Provides notice of weather conditions that may be upcoming and may be a cause for concern.

Watch: A watch is issued when weather conditions increase the likelihood of a storm or severe weather.

The city confirmed, “When a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued, be prepared to seek shelter if you are outdoors and head to shore if you are on the water.”

In April, the council voted to declare Ottawa “Canada’s Shawarma Capital,” noting that Ottawa is home to nearly 200 shawarma restaurants.