Environment Canada has launched a new colour-coded system for weather alerts to help Canadians better understand the severity and potential impacts of hazardous weather.
The system categorizes alerts into three levels: yellow, orange, and red. A yellow alert signals moderate, localized, or short-term hazards that may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts and is the most common alert.
Orange indicates severe weather likely to cause significant damage, widespread disruption, or health effects that may last several days.
Red alerts are issued for very dangerous, potentially life-threatening conditions, with extensive and prolonged impacts, and are rare.
This approach allows residents to quickly gauge the risk and take appropriate precautions depending on the alert level.
Environment Canada emphasizes that all alerts, regardless of colour, will provide detailed information about the expected weather and recommended safety actions.
Canadians are encouraged to stay informed, monitor local forecasts, and follow guidance to protect themselves, their families, and property during severe weather events.
(By: Tim Baltz)
Yellow:
Hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts.
Impacts are moderate, localized and/or short-term.
Most common.
Orange:
Severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts.
Impacts are major, widespread and/or may last a few days.
Uncommon.
Red:
Very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption.
Impacts are extensive, widespread, and prolonged.
Rare.