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Environment and Climate Change Canada has changed its weather warning system across the country.
General watches and warnings are replaced by a color-coded system with risk levels so you can better understand how the forecast will affect you and how you should prepare.
The changes are in line with recommendations from the World Meteorological Association and updates already implemented by 31 weather agencies across Europe.
Environment and Climate Change Canada will continue to issue the types of warnings you typically see throughout the year, including severe thunderstorm warnings and warnings, rainfall warnings, snowfall warnings and wind warnings.
Special weather forecasts are still in effect and are highlighted in grey.
These statements will continue to provide information about a weather event that is potentially significant or of interest but does not reach warning level criteria.
The difference going forward is that each of these alerts will now be color coded by alert level: yellow, orange or red. The alert level will be based on an assessment of both the potential consequences of the weather event and the reliability of the forecast.
Thus, the higher the impact and the higher the confidence that the approaching weather will actually have that impact, the higher the alert level.
Let's talk about color levels and break down their impact for you:
Yellow Alerts
For most storms and hazardous events that warrant a warning, you will likely see a yellow warning.
Yellow Alerts are the basis for watches and warnings and can be issued in a wide range of weather situations. This is the type of weather that will create dangerous or hazardous conditions that will impact travel and cause flight delays or cancellations. This may have health consequences, such as poor air quality or heat warnings.
Orange Alerts
Orange warnings are the next step and will be issued for storms that have the potential to cause widespread or significant damage.
Here we're talking about widespread hurricanes or devastating ice storms that knock out power to thousands of homes and businesses for days.
Orange warnings will be issued for winter storms that will take several days to fully clear. If an Orange Alert is issued in your area, you should prepare to take steps to protect yourself and your property.
Red Alerts
The highest alert level is red. If a Red Alert is issued, it means hazardous and potentially life-threatening weather is approaching or occurring.
Under red alert conditions, expect prolonged and widespread disruptions to transport and power supplies, resulting in widespread damage to property and infrastructure. Examples include Hurricane Fiona in September 2022 or the blizzard of 2024 that brought 150 cm of snow to parts of Cape Breton, or floods like those experienced by sailors over the past few years.
If a Red Alert is issued, it means you need to act immediately to protect yourself from damaging weather.
By focusing on weather impacts rather than the weather itself, the main goal is to improve storm preparedness and better communicate how to prepare in advance.
Therefore, when a warning is issued in your area, it is important to read the contents of that warning to determine what kind of weather situation is being addressed and then act accordingly.
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