Prepare for storm surge and coastal flooding

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 storm surge and coastal flooding

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 storm surge and coastal flooding

Protect your home, educate your household, and prepare yourself in the event of storm surge or coastal flooding.

During storm surge and coastal flooding

Find out what to do if storm surge or coastal flooding is approaching your region.

After storm surge and coastal flooding

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 storm surge and coastal flooding and by taking proper precautions. Make sure that your household is prepared.

Features

Criteria for public weather alerts

Learn about storm surge alerts and where they can be issued.

Predicting and Alerting Coastal Flooding

Information on the new coastal flooding prediction and alerting program.

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