Canada Unveils Alert System for Enhanced Extreme Weather Protection
The Canadian government has initiated a new alert system aimed at enhancing public safety during extreme weather events. This system, devised by Environment and Climate Change Canada, employs a colour-coded methodology to convey the severity of weather-related risks.
New Colour-Coded Alert System
The alert system uses three colours: yellow, orange, and red, each representing different levels of weather severity.
- Yellow Alerts: Commonly issued, indicating hazardous weather may cause damage or disruptions. Impacts are generally moderate and localized.
- Orange Alerts: Issued when severe weather is likely to cause significant damage or disruptions, with potential impacts being major and widespread.
- Red Alerts: Rare occurrences that signal very dangerous weather conditions, potentially life-threatening, and capable of causing extensive damage and disruption.
Examples of Impactful Weather Events
Historically, events that would have qualified for red alerts include:
- The 1998 ice storm in Ontario and Quebec
- The “snowmageddon” event in St. John’s, Newfoundland, in 2020
- The 2021 atmospheric river in British Columbia
Specific Weather Warning Examples
Environment Canada provided specific examples of how the alerts will apply to various weather situations:
- Snowfall Warnings:
- Yellow Warning – indicates hazardous weather may disrupt travel or cause localized power outages.
- Orange Warning – indicates severe snowfall that could shut down travel for days or lead to widespread power failures.
- Rainfall Warnings:
- Yellow Warning – may lead to minor flooding in low-lying areas and slower traffic.
- Orange Warning – can result in significant flooding and travel delays, as well as landslides.
- Red Warning – signals extreme weather like the 2021 atmospheric rivers.
- Wind Warnings:
- Yellow Warning – may result in broken branches and short outages.
- Orange Warning – indicates the likelihood of winds causing structural damage and widespread outages.
- Red Warning – warns of extensive structural damage and long-duration outages.
Government’s Commitment to Clear Alerts
Julie Dabrusin, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the importance of clear weather alerts. She stated that these improvements aim to help Canadians make informed decisions to safeguard themselves and their property. Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Canada, this new alert system is a critical development in public safety.
