Coastal flooding and storm surges – Get prepared
Coastal flooding can develop quickly, allowing little time for preparation. Residents, particularly those living in low-lying areas near the coastline, should prepare in advance. Storm surges and seiches often result in floods and can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure.
Some regions are more likely to flood than others:
- Atlantic Canada experiences coastal flooding events due to regular storm activity
- The Gulf of St. Lawrence experiences roughly ten coastal flooding events a year where water levels exceed tides by 60 cm, and occasionally exceed tides by 1.5 m
- Halifax has about two coastal flooding events a year where water levels exceed tides by 60 cm
How to prepare before coastal flooding and storm surges
Storm surges and seiches can take place any time of the year. They can be particularly damaging in icy winter waters. Seiching is often greatest during storms and storm surge. To prepare for coastal flooding:
- 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
- Learn about colour-coded weather alerts and how forecasters use Weather Impact Guides to assign colours for coastal flooding and storm surge alerts
- Have a back-up water supply ready in case of emergencies
- If your municipal water supply is interrupted or your well is contaminated or damaged, it may take a few days before you can safely use your tap water again
- Knowing when high tides, currents and water level days are going to occur, and storm tracking if you have waterfront property
- Identify a safe location in advance, inland and on higher ground, where you could go if you have to evacuate
- Learn more floods and hurricane preparedness tips
Where to get information
- Stay connected to weather alert services that share weather warnings, watches, advisories and statements:
- WeatherCAN app provides local weather alert notifications
- Weather information including public weather alerts across Canada
- Local radio and television broadcasts will help you stay up to date with the latest local weather information
- Check if your wireless phone is compatible with Alert Ready, Canada's emergency alerting system
- Learn more about the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Coastal Flooding Prediction and Alerting program
- Alerts are now available in more areas including Canada's Pacific and Arctic coasts, the St. Lawrence, and the Great Lakes
During coastal flooding and storm surges
Getting caught near the shoreline during coastal flooding could be life-threatening. In the event of coastal flooding:
- Evacuate if instructed to do so by local authorities
- Move away from the shoreline if you see signs of coastal flooding
- Look for the latest coastal flooding alerts and maps and stay away from the impacted area
- Stay inside away from windows
- Monitor the situation. Listen for warnings or instructions from local authorities
- Don't drive through flood waters
- Be aware of risks such as hypothermia from cold water, or drowning risks
- Don't go out on the water, as storm surges and seiches can generate strong currents
- Don't assume it is safe to go on the water or to the shoreline if the water recedes
- Waves and rising water can vary between minutes, hours or days
- Follow safety precautions during a flood
- Flooding may cause power outages
Water contamination
- Coastal flooding and storm surges can damage your well and contaminate your water
- During a flood, don't use well water for drinking, cooking, bathing, showering or brushing teeth
- The water can become contaminated by salt water on ocean coasts
- Fresh water storm surge or flooding can contaminate water with microorganisms or chemicals without any noticeable change in taste, odour or clarity
After coastal flooding and storm surges
- Use extreme caution when returning to your home after a flood
- Do not return home until authorities have advised that it is safe to do so
- Follow important safety tips when reentering your home after a flood
- Once you can safely return home, restore your home to good order as soon as possible to protect your health and prevent further damage to the house and its contents
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning