Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has introduced a wide-ranging coastal flooding prediction and alerting program in May 2024. This groundbreaking initiative empowers meteorologists to deliver detailed alerts and forecasts for coastal flooding throughout Canada, evaluating both the likelihood and potential impact of these events. The main objective is to provide early warnings to emergency management organizations and the public, ensuring adequate preparation for potential coastal flooding threats.
This program marks a significant enhancement in ECCC’s capabilities, extending their predictive reach to include Canada’s Pacific coast, Arctic coast, the Great Lakes, and the St. Lawrence. Although Ontario will continue to receive coastal flooding alerts from provincial authorities, other regions will benefit from this centralized system. Previously, ECCC has been issuing alerts for the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which will now be expanded.
Historically, ECCC used the term “storm surge” to describe coastal flooding events in Atlantic Canada and Quebec. Moving forward, “coastal flooding” will become the default terminology to better capture these events and their impacts. However, some regions will continue using “storm surge” based on local preferences.
Regions adopting the term “Coastal Flooding” include:
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario (provincial authorities to issue alerts)
- Prince Edward Island
Regions retaining the term “Storm Surge” include:
- Quebec
- Nunavut
- Northwest Territories
- Yukon
The implementation of these new prediction and alert services will vary by region, with the capability to forecast and issue warnings should now be available.
The Coastal Flood Risk Index, part of the new program, will improve meteorologists’ ability to evaluate and communicate the risk of coastal flooding. This index will assign risk ratings from low to extreme, reflected in Coastal Flooding Risk Outlook maps. These maps aim to provide early warnings of high-impact coastal flooding events, enabling Canadians and public authorities to make informed decisions and preparations.
Coastal flooding, driven by storm surges, large waves, and high tides, presents significant risks to infrastructure and human safety. With rising sea levels and intensifying extreme weather due to climate change, the frequency and severity of coastal flooding events in Canada are expected to increase. This program is vital for protecting coastal communities and mitigating the impacts of future flooding events.