An orange rainfall warning in Canada means heavy or prolonged rainfall is likely to cause significant impacts that may be major, widespread or prolonged. Potential conditions can include flooding, dangerous travel, property damage and major disruptions to transportation and daily activities.
The severity of the impacts depends on rainfall amounts, intensity, duration, existing ground conditions and local drainage systems. This guide explains what an orange rainfall warning means, how serious it is, the potential impacts and what you should do when one is issued.
What Is an Orange Rainfall Warning?
An orange rainfall warning means heavy or prolonged rainfall is likely to cause significant impacts that may be major, widespread or prolonged. Potential conditions can include flooding, water accumulation on roads, property damage and significant transportation disruptions.
The severity of the impacts depends on rainfall amounts, intensity, duration, existing ground conditions and local drainage systems.
When an orange rainfall warning is issued, people should closely monitor changing conditions, avoid flooded roads and prepare for potentially significant travel and transportation disruptions.
Orange Rainfall Warning vs Yellow Rainfall Warning
An orange rainfall warning indicates more significant potential impacts than a yellow rainfall warning. Yellow alerts may involve localized flooding and travel disruptions, while orange alerts indicate the potential for major, widespread or prolonged impacts.
Orange conditions may cause significant flooding, property damage and major transportation disruptions.
Can an Orange Rainfall Warning Be Downgraded to Yellow?
Yes. An orange rainfall warning can be downgraded to yellow if rainfall amounts decrease or the expected impacts become less significant.
Orange Rainfall Warning vs Red Rainfall Warning
An orange rainfall warning indicates significant impacts, while a red rainfall warning represents the highest level of potential impact.
Red warnings indicate very dangerous conditions that may cause severe flooding, major property damage and significant infrastructure problems.
Can an Orange Rainfall Warning Be Upgraded to Red?
Yes. An orange rainfall warning can be upgraded to red if more extreme rainfall or widespread impacts are expected.
