Environment Canada has issued one of the NWT’s first orange-level weather alerts under a new colour-coded system, warning of a possible major storm hitting Tuktoyaktuk.
“Blizzard conditions are likely starting late Friday. This may be a major storm,” the federal agency declared in a Thursday morning advisory.
The new system of colours uses yellow, orange and red to indicate increasingly serious events.
Orange alerts are issued when severe weather is likely to cause significant damage or health impacts and the effect could last a few days.
“Snow and blowing snow is expected to begin Friday. Blizzard conditions are forecast to begin by Friday night,” Environment Canada stated.
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“Friday night or Saturday morning, northwest winds may gust to 90 km/h, likely reducing visibility to near zero. Blowing snow or blizzard conditions in only slightly weaker winds may continue into Sunday morning.”
A separately issued statement warned of possible storm surge in Tuk, which is situated on the Arctic coastline.
“Storm surge is possible with a storm on Friday night and Saturday,” that statement read.
“A similarly strong storm on December 3, 2022 caused storm surge despite ice having formed offshore.
“Damage to anchored or beached boats, wharfs, boat houses or fishing stages along the shoreline is possible. Sea ice moved onshore can cause additional damage to infrastructure.”
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