Changes made to weather alerts in Canada

Source: ECCC

Environment and Climate Change Canada has changed the alerting system in Canada.

While the normal alerts will still be issued, they will be colour-coded moving forward.

The colours tell you what risk the weather is to you. Every type of weather alert—Warnings, Advisories, and Watches—now has a colour when it is issued. The weather alert colours move from yellow to orange, to red, as the potential risk increases.

Yellow alerts mean that hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts are moderate, localized and/or short-term. Yellow alerts are the most common.

Orange alerts mean that severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts are major, widespread and/or may last a few days. Orange alerts are uncommon.

Red alerts indicate that very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption. Impacts are extensive, widespread, and prolonged. Red alerts are rare.