Environment and Climate Change Canada is introducing a new extreme weather alert system, specifically for targeted severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings.
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Here’s how the new system will work, and what you need to know about it.
Extreme Weather Alerts in Canada
Beginning today, Environment Canada will be using a new system that will allow for more precise weather warnings for thunderstorms and tornadoes. Previously, these extreme weather warnings covered entire regions with a colour-coded alert.
Now, forecasters will now be able to draw a polygon over the affected area, which is described as a targeted approach. Only these identified communities will be noted as most likely to be impacted by the incoming weather.
These polygon-based extreme weather warnings have proved to be a success, as they’ve already been implemented by U.S. forecasters for almost two decades. The change is aimed to cut down on notifications for communities that are not immediately in the impact zone, and to help inform those in potential danger to act ahead of the weather.
Moreover, only Canadians in the polygon will be warned through a wireless emergency alert, delivered via phone towers. This means less notifications for those who don’t quite need it, especially during more severe weather seasons when alerts can be more frequent.
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