Environment Canada is launching a new colour-coded alert system aimed at safeguarding Canadians during extreme weather events.
“A new colour-coded system will make it easier to quickly understand the severity of extreme weather and its expected risk at a glance,” the government agency said in the press release. “This new system is part of the ongoing modernization of our public weather program and aligns with best practices worldwide.”
Weather warnings, advisories, and watches now feature a colour scheme that ranges from yellow to orange to red, to represent the seriousness of the weather situation, the agency said.
Yellow is the most common of the three alerts, it said. They are issued in situations where severe weather conditions could lead to damage, disruption, or health-related issues. The effects are expected to be moderate, localized, and/or of a short duration.
Orange alerts are “less common” and are issued when severe weather is expected to result in considerable damage, disruption, or health consequences, Environment Canada said. The impacts can be significant, extensive, and/or may persist for several days.
Red alerts are considered “rare” and are issued when “very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption,” the agency noted. Impacts of such severe weather have the potential to be extensive, far-reaching, and long-lasting.
One example of a historical “red” weather event is the 1998 ice storm in Ontario and Quebec that crippled the power grid by toppling more than 1,000 large steel transmission towers and roughly 30,000 utility poles. This widespread infrastructure collapse resulted in millions being left without electricity, with some enduring outages for up to a month.
How the Colour Codes Work
Environment Canada often issues wind warnings across the country when speeds surpass 70 kilometres per hour. Under the new colour coding system, a yellow wind warning indicates the possibility of temporary utility outages, the breaking of larger tree branches, and the risk of injury due to flying or falling debris.An orange wind warning signifies the potential for extensive utility disruptions, possible roof damage, the snapping of small to medium-sized trees, and a heightened risk of injury due to airborne or falling debris.
A red wind warning represents the risk of long-lasting, widespread utility failures, structural damage to houses and buildings, substantial damage to trees, including those in orchards and parks, and a high risk of injury from flying or falling debris.
Weather alerts can be issued for a variety of hazards, including thunderstorms, rain or snow, blowing snow, wind, and heat, the agency said.
Environment Canada said its meteorologists will integrate the most recent atmospheric data—weather models, real-time observations, and forecast confidence—with the newly developed guides to deliver impact-based alerts.
