A Yellow Snowfall Warning is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when significant snowfall is expected to cause hazardous conditions. Heavy snow can make roads slippery, reduce visibility and lead to travel delays or temporary road closures. Yellow warnings are the most common alert level in Canada and generally indicate moderate, localized or short-term disruptions.
An Orange Winter Storm Warning is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when a combination of severe winter weather conditions is expected to cause major disruptions. Heavy snowfall, freezing rain and strong winds can create dangerous roads, widespread power outages and significant property damage. Orange warnings indicate a heightened risk of serious impacts across affected communities.
An Orange Wind Warning is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when damaging winds are expected to cause major disruptions. Strong winds can bring down trees and power lines, damage roofs and create dangerous driving conditions. Orange warnings indicate a heightened risk of widespread power outages, property damage and injuries from flying debris.
An Orange Snowfall Warning is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when significant snowfall is expected to cause major disruptions. Heavy snow can make roads dangerous, lead to highway closures and cause damage to trees and property. Orange warnings indicate a heightened risk of serious impacts, including prolonged travel delays and dangerous winter conditions.
An Orange Snow Squall Warning is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when intense bands of snow are occurring or expected to cause major disruptions. Snow squalls can suddenly reduce visibility to near zero and produce heavy snowfall over a relatively small area. Dangerous road conditions, highway closures and stranded vehicles are possible.
An Orange Rainfall Warning is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when heavy rainfall is expected to cause major disruptions. Significant rainfall can lead to widespread flooding, washed-out roads, flooded homes and dangerous travel conditions. Orange warnings indicate a heightened risk of serious impacts across affected communities.
An Orange Freezing Rain Warning is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when freezing rain is expected to cause major disruptions. Ice can accumulate on roads, sidewalks, trees and power lines, creating dangerous travel conditions, widespread power outages and significant property damage. Orange warnings indicate a greater risk of serious impacts across affected communities.
An Orange Blizzard Warning is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when blizzard conditions are expected to cause major disruptions. Strong winds and blowing snow can reduce visibility to near zero, making travel dangerous or impossible. Orange warnings indicate a heightened risk of widespread road closures, stranded vehicles and delays to essential services.
An orange air quality warning is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when an air quality event, such as wildfire smoke or elevated pollution, is expected to cause significant impacts. The warning indicates that air quality conditions may affect a large area or persist for an extended period. Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which measures air pollution-related health risk on a scale from 1 to 10+, is a separate system used to help assess air quality conditions.
A Rainfall Warning is issued when significant rainfall is expected to create hazardous conditions, including flooding, water accumulation and difficult travel.