An orange winter storm warning in Canada means a combination of severe winter weather is likely to cause significant impacts that may be major, widespread or prolonged. Heavy snow, freezing rain, ice and strong winds can create dangerous travel conditions, major transportation delays and significant disruptions to daily activities.
The severity of the impacts depends on the combination, intensity and duration of the expected conditions. This guide explains what an orange winter storm warning means, how serious it is, the potential impacts and what you should do when one is issued.
What Is an Orange Winter Storm Warning?
An orange winter storm warning means a combination of severe winter weather is likely to cause significant impacts that may be major, widespread or prolonged. Conditions may include heavy snow, freezing rain, ice and strong winds.
Multiple winter hazards occurring together can create dangerous travel conditions, major transportation delays, power outages and significant disruptions to daily activities.
When an orange winter storm warning is issued, people should closely monitor current conditions, reconsider unnecessary travel and prepare for potentially significant disruptions based on the specific hazards expected.
Orange Winter Storm Warning vs Yellow Winter Storm Warning
An orange winter storm warning indicates more significant potential impacts than a yellow winter storm warning. Yellow alerts may involve hazardous conditions and localized disruptions, while orange alerts indicate the potential for major, widespread or prolonged impacts.
Orange conditions may involve severe snow, ice and wind capable of causing dangerous travel, power outages and significant disruptions.
Can an Orange Winter Storm Warning Be Downgraded to Yellow?
Yes. An orange winter storm warning can be downgraded to yellow if conditions improve and the expected impacts decrease.
Orange Winter Storm Warning vs Red Winter Storm Warning
An orange winter storm warning indicates significant impacts, while a red winter storm warning represents the highest level of potential impact.
Red warnings indicate very dangerous conditions that may make travel extremely difficult or impossible and cause major disruptions to infrastructure and essential services.
Can an Orange Winter Storm Warning Be Upgraded to Red?
Yes. An orange winter storm warning can be upgraded to red if conditions worsen and extreme, widespread impacts are expected.
