New Coastal Flooding Alert System Launched Across Canada

The Canadian government has launched a new coastal flooding prediction and alert system to provide early warnings for storm surges, large waves, and high tides along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic coasts. Previously, such alerts were only available for the Atlantic coast. The system, announced by Environment and Climate Change Canada, excludes Ontario, which has its own system, and Alberta and Saskatchewan, where coastal flooding is less of a concern.
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, raising the risk of coastal flooding. The new system aims to provide critical early information to Canadians and emergency management authorities, enabling better preparation and faster responses. It uses advanced modeling techniques and a coastal flood risk index to assess and communicate the risk levels.
Meteorologists will assign risk ratings from low to extreme and share forecasts through media and online platforms. The term “storm surge” is replaced with “coastal flooding” in public communications, except in Quebec and the three territories.
The system has been operational since May 2024 but will require time to be fully implemented nationwide. Coastal flooding results from storm-driven water accumulation, exacerbated by high tides and rising sea levels, which are currently increasing by about three millimeters per year due to climate change. The Canadian government anticipates that the severity of coastal flooding will worsen in the future.