An orange severe thunderstorm warning in Canada means severe thunderstorms are likely to cause significant impacts that may be major, widespread or prolonged. Potential hazards can include damaging winds, heavy rainfall, large hail and dangerous lightning.
Severe thunderstorm conditions can develop and change quickly, creating risks to people, property and transportation. This guide explains what an orange severe thunderstorm warning means, how serious it is, the potential impacts and what you should do when one is issued.
What Is an Orange Severe Thunderstorm Warning?
An orange severe thunderstorm warning means severe thunderstorm conditions are likely to cause significant impacts that may be major, widespread or prolonged. Potential hazards can include damaging winds, heavy rainfall, large hail and dangerous lightning.
Severe thunderstorms can develop and change quickly, potentially causing property damage, power outages and significant transportation disruptions.
When an orange severe thunderstorm warning is issued, people should closely monitor weather updates, move outdoor activities indoors when necessary and prepare for rapidly changing and potentially dangerous conditions.
Orange Severe Thunderstorm Warning vs Yellow Severe Thunderstorm Warning
An orange severe thunderstorm warning indicates more significant potential impacts than a yellow severe thunderstorm warning. Yellow alerts may involve hazardous conditions and localized damage, while orange alerts indicate the potential for major, widespread or prolonged impacts.
Orange warnings may involve damaging winds, heavy rainfall, large hail and significant disruptions.
Can an Orange Severe Thunderstorm Warning Be Downgraded to Yellow?
Yes. An orange severe thunderstorm warning can be downgraded to yellow if the storm weakens and the expected impacts decrease.
Orange Severe Thunderstorm Warning vs Red Severe Thunderstorm Warning
An orange severe thunderstorm warning indicates significant impacts, while a red severe thunderstorm warning represents the highest level of potential impact.
Red warnings indicate very dangerous conditions that may involve destructive winds, extreme rainfall, large hail and significant, widespread damage.
Can an Orange Severe Thunderstorm Warning Be Upgraded to Red?
Yes. An orange severe thunderstorm warning can be upgraded to red if the storm intensifies and extreme impacts are expected.
