These are guidelines and concerns provided by the city to help you understand the importance of fighting extreme cold.
During winter wind storms are a common hazard. These storms can lead to downed power lines, and falling branches and trees, among other hazards. Other forms of severe weather in the Vancouver area may include:
A severe weather warning system has been put in place in the local Vancouver and greater Vancouver districts to warn the public about these situations.
The 2008 City of Vancouver (COV) Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA) and the 2013 Metro Vancouver HRVA both identify extreme weather as a primary hazard of concern for our region. Furthermore, COV’s Climate Adaptation Strategy highlights the risks from severe weather episodes which are becoming more frequent and damaging.
Although the safety of first responders and the public are of primary concern, the potential effects of severe weather on transportation, energy, utilities, communications/IT, and water infrastructure can heavily impact the City’s capacity to provide critical municipal services.