Environment and Climate Change Canada changes weather warning system

Rainy weather in Moncton is pictured in this file photo. (Source: Derek Haggett/CTV News Atlantic)

Environment and Climate Change Canada is making a change in the way weather warnings are issued for the country.

The agency is moving to a colour-coded weather alerts system. The system introduces three colour levels to issued weather warnings.

The three colour levels are YELLOW, ORANGE and RED. The expected severity and impacts of the weather escalate from YELLOW to ORANGE to RED.

YELLOW: Hazardous weather may cause damage, disruptions or health impacts. Impacts are moderate, localized and/or short-term. Yellow alerts are the 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. Orange alerts are uncommon.

RED: Very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption. Impacts are extensive and widespread, and prolonged. Red alerts are rare.

The colour assigned to a weather alert will be determined by an assessment of both potential impact and confidence of the forecast conditions occurring. As an example, a RED alert would require very high confidence in extreme impacts being experienced by expected weather conditions. In summary, escalating colour indicates higher risk.

A YELLOW wind warning would be issued for:

• Moderate travel delays due to debris and outages

• Short term utility outages

• Larger tree branches broken; some yard items blown about

• Outdoor events postponed or cancelled

An ORANGE wind warning would be issued for:

• Significant travel delays, multiple collisions

• Widespread utility outages

• Major property damage, treefall

• Damage to powerlines, bridges, other infrastructure

A RED wind warning would issued for:

• Widespread, dangerous travel conditions, including vehicle pileups

• Utility poles and towers collapse

• Long duration, widespread utility outages

• Widespread property damage, trees destroyed

• Critical infrastructure compromised

Further information on the criteria for the colour-codes for warnings can be found at Canada.ca/Weather-Alerts.