Delayed weather alerts leave town seeking answers from Environment Canada
Essex is asking Environment Canada to outline its notification procedures after residents raised concerns an alert only came after a recent storm.
The Town of Essex is asking Environment Canada to outline its notification procedures after residents raised concerns an alert only came after a recent storm.
An approved notice of motion, put forward by Mayor Sherry Bondy, directs staff to send a letter to the environmental agency asking for information on notification procedures and processes during severe weather events.
'It is a safety aspect, considering that storms can happen any time, and there's really no reason why we should wait for this,' Bondy told members of council.
On June 5, Environment Canada issued a warning shortly after 12:30 a.m. for conditions that could potentially create a tornado in parts of Windsor-Essex.
However, residents in Harrow later told CTV News the worst of the storm actually hit about an hour prior to the alert.
'It's been happening for a couple of years where we have a storm go through our town, and it seems like the Environment Canada alert pops up on our phone half an hour, 45 minutes after the fact,' Bondy said.
The mayor added feedback from residents has indicated a desire for more radar monitoring in 'southern Essex County' to fill in possible gaps.
The motion asks for 'target deliverable times' and channels used to deliver notifications and warnings.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Rain, risk of thunderstorms in the forecast for Ottawa this Saturday
People make their way through the rain in downtown Ottawa. (Sean Kilpatrick/THE CANADIAN PRESS) Showers, risk of thunderstorms and mainly cloudy skies are in the forecast for Ottawa this Saturday. Environment Canada calls for a high of 26 C, which feels like 35 with humidex, a 60 per cent chance of showers and risk of a thunderstorm early this afternoon. A low of 16 C and a 40 per cent chance of showers are in the forecast for tonight. Sunday will have a high of 28 C. It will also be mainly cloudy, clearing late in the afternoon. A low of 18 C and clear skies are expected overnight. On Monday, the capital will see a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 32 C. A low of 20 C, cloudy skies and a 40 per cent chance of showers are expected overnight. Canada Day will be rainy, with a 60 per cent chance of showers and a high of 28 C. A low of 17 C and a 30 per cent chance of showers are forecasted for the night. The average temperatures for this time of year are a high of 26 C and a low of 15 C.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Wet weekend weather for Montreal heading to moving day
Montreal Watch Clouds and rain started the weekend in Montreal, with potential storms on July 1, moving day.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Camping during wildfires: Here's how to be prepared
It's summer camping season in Alberta, which means it's also wildfire season and it's important to be prepared in case of an emergency. Alberta is home to hundreds of campgrounds across the province and its parks. More than 6.3 million Canadians went camping in 2023, according to data from Camper Champ, a campervan company. There are dangers associated with camping, from wild animals to storms, or even wildfires. In Alberta, there were 63 active wildfires as of Friday, with a total of 564 that have been extinguished in 2025. Wildfire Wildfire east of La Crete Ferry. (Credit: Alberta Wildfire) How to stay safe during a wildfire If you find yourself out camping and a wildfire moves or starts near the campsite, Parks Canada has tips to stay safe. Many people view camping as a way to get away from technology, but Parks Canada encourages campers to have a device capable of connecting to the internet to be able to see the most up-to-date information through its app, website or social media. Campers are also encouraged to learn the possible evacuation routes when they arrive at a campground, have plenty of fuel in their vehicle and an emergency kit with food and water. Recommended supplies for an emergency kit include: Battery powered radio and extra batteries; Car keys (and an extra set); Essential medication and medical equipment; First aid kit; Flashlight; Glasses/contacts; Identification cards; Mobile devices; and Wallet with credit cards and cash. In the event of a nearby wildfire, an evacuation alert or order may be issued. An evacuation alert means campers should prepare for a possible evacuation and an order means campers need to leave immediately. Evacuation orders can come with little to no warning. 'In the case of a rapidly evolving situation, such as a tornado, flood, or a new wildfire near or in a Parks Canada-administered place, a warning could be given within minutes,' said Claudia Crépeault with Parks Canada. 'Parks Canada will inform visitors of a possible campground evacuation as early as possible.' If an area is evacuated, an evacuation centre will be set up. Evacuees are also advised to contact family and friends to let them know where they are. Wildfire concerns grow in Alberta The organization reminds people to follow the direction of first responders and Parks Canada employees in the event of an evacuation. Parks Canada also reminds campers to be mindful of any fire bans in place at a campground. Bulletin boards at sites should display an area's current fire danger status, and information should also be available at visitor centres. Campground evacuations are rare events, according to Crépeault. 'We carefully monitor the weather and conditions near and in Parks Canada administered places and make decisions on evacuation alerts and orders considering many factors,' she said. 'Visitors should take the initiative to stay informed and aware of their surroundings. The decision to leave an area before an alert or order is issued is a personal one.' Campers evacuated or affected by measures put in place because of an emergency situation will automatically have their reservations cancelled and refunded by Parks Canada.
