Severe Weather

During times of unsettled or severe weather Western Special Constable Service receives regular bulletins from Environment Canada. From our Communications Centre we monitor ‘weather radio’ and the Exeter weather radar.

In monitoring severe weather the following terminology may be a useful guide.

  1. ADVISORY - Actual or expected weather conditions may cause inconvenience or concern but do not pose a serious threat.
  2. WATCH - Conditions are favourable for the development of severe weather.
  3. WARNING – Severe weather is occurring or is highly probable.  Weather warnings may be issued from six to twelve hours in advance.  Severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings are sometimes issued as little as one hour or less in advance.  Weather warnings may be issued for thunderstorms, tornados, freezing rain, frost, wind, dust-storm, blizzards, heavy snowfall, winter storms, wind chill.