New alert system helps residents gauge storm risk at a glance

SASKATCHEWAN — A new weather alert system from Environment Canada has created more transparency and assesses the risk a storm could cause in an area.

When a storm is coming to an area, Environment Canada now classifies alerts based on colour:

• Yellow (common) — Issued when potential hazardous weather could cause damage, disruptions, and health impacts. The system will likely be moderated, localized or short-term.
• Orange (less common) — Issued when severe weather could cause significant damage, disruptions or health impacts. Damage could be widespread and last for days.
• Red (rare) — Issued when major and or potentially life-threatening weather causes extreme damage and disruptions. Impacts could be widespread and prolonged.

“We're talking about impact-based messaging, so not just what the weather is going to be, but what the weather is going to do,” said Natalie Hasell of Environment Canada.

On their website, Environment Canada lists the possible outcomes of a storm.

With a freezing rain warning, the department will mention risks, including slippery roads and sidewalks.

“We are hoping to allow people to gauge their level or better understand the level of risk implicit in severe weather,” said Hasell.

One key point Hasell noted is that different weather partners before a major event play a factor in the severity of damage caused by an incoming storm, and Environment Canada is hoping to use the new system to communicate this.

“Say it's been raining a lot already, and now we're expecting another rain event. The previous events could have already exceeded a threshold, so now we have a more dynamic way of communicating the weather and its impacts.”

While people often notice weather patterns, Hasell said they might not understand what those mean in terms of consequences.

“That's the material that we've been looking at and building up and working with our partners in emergency management to better outline and now to better communicate with the public more generally.”

As for issuing these colour-coded weather alerts, Hasell said advanced timing can be difficult based on the storm.

“A situation like freezing rain is harder to forecast. So sometimes you'll get an alert not very long before the event reaches your area. Other times, you'll get watches up to 18 hours in advance of a storm.”

She also noted that Environment Canada relies on scans or photos, which can indicate a storm is developing.

The new system is part of the modernization of the public weather program, aligning with practices found worldwide, prompted by the World Meteorological Organization.

Hasell said countries in Europe have already adopted the system, while the U.S. is taking a slightly different approach with their process.

Overall, Hasell said the new system will be a learning process for the population, but the additional information will help keep people more safe.