Weather Alerts Explained: What Environment Canada's Warnings Really Mean
Confused by Environment Canada's warning hierarchy? This guide explains every type of weather alert, what triggers it, and what action you should take.
Understanding Environment Canada's Alert System
Environment Canada issues several types of weather alerts with different levels of urgency. Understanding what each type means helps you make informed decisions about your safety.
What is a Special Weather Statement?
A Special Weather Statement (SWS) is issued when weather is significant but doesn't meet criteria for a watch, advisory, or warning. It may be issued for a long period of wet weather, a brief period of heavy rain, or significant conditions that are difficult to predict with certainty. Action: Be aware and monitor the situation.
What is a Weather Advisory?
An advisory is issued when weather conditions may be hazardous — causing minor inconvenience or difficulty for some activities — but don't meet warning criteria. Examples include freezing drizzle advisory, blowing snow advisory, or a fog advisory. Action: Use caution. Delay or cancel activities if possible.
What is a Weather Watch?
A watch is issued when conditions are favourable for the development of severe weather and the event is likely (usually within 6-24 hours). Watches are issued for potential tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, blizzards, and similar events. Action: Prepare. Know where you will take shelter. Monitor updated forecasts closely.
What is a Weather Warning?
A warning is the most urgent alert level. It means severe, dangerous weather is occurring or imminent. Warnings are issued for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms (with large hail or damaging wind gusts), winter storms, wind, rainfall, freezing rain, blizzard, and extreme cold. Action: Take action immediately. Implement your safety plan.
What is a Tornado Warning?
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been spotted by a trained spotter or detected on Doppler radar. This is a life-threatening emergency. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, take shelter in the lowest floor of a sturdy building immediately, away from windows. Do not wait to see the tornado before acting.
What are Wireless Emergency Alerts?
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are notifications sent directly to cellphones within range of cellular towers in a designated geographic area. They are reserved for the most extreme, life-threatening situations including tornado warnings, extreme weather alerts, and Amber Alerts. When your phone receives a WEA, it emits a distinctive loud alarm sound. Take these seriously and take immediate action.
