More precise severe weather warnings coming to Canada

Environment and Climate Change Canada is introducing targeted warnings for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, helping deliver emergency alerts to Canadians in areas most at risk. 

Canadians will soon receive more precise severe weather warnings as Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) introduces targeted warning areas for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. 

The new approach will allow ECCC forecasters to identify specific areas most likely to be affected by dangerous weather using map-based shapes, known as polygons, instead of relying solely on larger geographic warning zones.

The change is expected to reduce the number of warnings received by Canadians who are outside the immediate area of risk, while helping ensure that people in the path of dangerous weather receive timely information.

What is changing ?

Previously, severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were issued using defined geographic warning zones. Because some zones cover large areas, a warning for a relatively small storm could result in alerts being received by communities that were not directly threatened by the storm.

With targeted warnings, ECCC forecasters can define a specific area where severe weather is expected to pose a significant risk.

These warning areas can be updated as the storm moves, allowing the warning to more closely reflect the location and potential path of the dangerous weather.

For Canadians, this means that a severe weather warning can be more closely targeted to the communities facing the greatest risk.

How will this affect Alert Ready ?

The change will be particularly noticeable through Canada’s National Public Alerting System, Alert Ready.

ECCC uses Alert Ready to issue certain urgent weather warnings, including tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings that meet established criteria.

When an eligible warning is issued through Alert Ready, the alert can be distributed across television, radio and compatible wireless devices in the designated area.

With the introduction of targeted warning areas, wireless emergency alerts can be distributed more precisely based on the area identified by ECCC as being at risk.

This means Canadians outside the immediate threat area are less likely to receive an alert for severe weather occurring elsewhere, while people in and around the affected area can receive the information they need to take action.

Why are severe weather warnings becoming more targeted ?

More precise warnings can help improve the relevance of emergency alerts for Canadians.

Receiving an emergency alert when a dangerous event is happening nearby can help people understand the urgency of the situation and take appropriate action. At the same time, reducing alerts for people who are outside the immediate area of risk can help minimize unnecessary notifications.

The change is part of ongoing improvements to Canada’s weather warning system and is intended to provide Canadians with more precise information about where severe weather is occurring or expected to occur.

What should Canadians do when they receive an emergency alert ?

Canadians should read emergency alerts carefully and follow the instructions provided by emergency management officials and weather authorities.

If a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning is issued for your area, take immediate action to protect yourself and those around you.

Canadians should also continue to monitor local weather conditions and forecasts, as severe weather can develop and change quickly.