Coastal flooding and storm surges
Coastal flooding can be caused by a storm surge, a seiche, waves or high tides.
- A storm surge is an unusual rise in sea level, usually when strong winds push water into land
- storm surge is caused by strong storms like hurricanes or tropical storms
- storm surges can occur along coastal areas and large lakes
- A seiche is a standing wave that moves back and forth
- seiche is caused by wind, rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, or by earthquakes
Why prepare for coastal flooding and storm surges
Most of Canada's major coastlines and shorelines are exposed to coastal flooding. This includes all three oceans as well as the St. Lawrence Estuary, the Beaufort Sea, the Great Lakes, and other large waterbodies. While seiches can occur in lakes of any size, they are most common among the Great Lakes, in particular Lake Erie.
What to do
Before coastal flooding and storm surges
Protect your home, educate your household, and prepare yourself in the event of storm surge or coastal flooding.
During coastal flooding and storm surges
Find out what to do if storm surge or coastal flooding is approaching your region.
After coastal flooding and storm surges
Use extreme caution when returning to your home after a flood.
Where to start
You can protect members of your household by learning more about coastal flooding and storm surges and by taking proper precautions. Make sure that your household is prepared.
- Prepare your emergency kit. Learn more about what items to put in your kit, including quick and easy steps you can take right away
- Make a household emergency plan. Consider the specific needs of all members of your household, including older adults, children, pets, and anyone with special health needs
Features
Weather Impact Guides
Impact Guides help determine the colour of weather alerts, and describe the potential impacts of weather events.
Predicting and Alerting Coastal Flooding
Information on the new coastal flooding prediction and alerting program.