# Introduction

Severe weather watches and warnings are essential tools National Weather Service or Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologists use to communicate the potential risks of extreme weather events.

However, there are significant differences between the two, and understanding those differences can be critical for staying safe during storms, especially when selecting which alerts to receive using Adiona Alert.

# Severe Weather Watches

A severe weather watch is issued when conditions are favourable for the development of severe weather, such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, or strong winds. Watches are typically issued several hours in advance and cover a relatively large geographical area, often spanning several counties, states, or provinces. When a watch is issued, it is issued so you can be aware of the potential for severe weather and take steps to prepare ahead of the storm, such as securing outdoor items or actively staying informed about changing weather.

For our users, receiving severe weather watches allows you to review your plans for the day, ensuring everyone in your group is aware and prepared for the potential risks of the day's weather conditions. It's the perfect opportunity to review and agree on the appropriate precautions should a severe thunderstorm, flash flood or other dangerous weather be imminent.

In some instances, it may allow you to change your plans, staying off of an exposed ridge and instead exploring an area that provides some refuge. For work crews, this allows the team leader to remind their team of the expected actions from each member during severe weather.

# Severe Weather Warning

On the other hand, a severe weather warning is issued when severe weather is already occurring or is imminent.

Warnings are more urgent than watches and are typically issued when there is a high likelihood of significant damage or injury. Warnings are usually issued for a smaller area, often just a single county or city. They are meant to alert people to take immediate action to protect themselves and their property.

If you receive a severe weather warning, you should take immediate action to seek shelter and protect yourself and your group from impending danger.

It's important to note that severe weather watches and warnings are not perfect predictors of storms, and conditions can change quickly. Therefore, it's always a good idea to stay informed about weather updates and plan how to respond to severe weather, regardless of whether a watch or warning has been issued.

# Should You Be Receiving Weather Watches?

You might be considering opting out of receiving severe weather watches to reduce the number of alerts you receive, thinking that receiving a warning for an immediate and specific threatening storm is enough, allowing you to save the cost of the additional alerts or because you have received watches in the past that did not amount to a significant storm.

However, we strongly suggest that all users make sure they continue to receive watches. Receiving a severe weather watch early in the day because of the potential of life-threatening weather later in the day provides you with options and allows you to prepare. Your options are likely far more limited late in the afternoon, exposed on a ridge, as a massive thunderstorm is approaching rapidly. Or you may not have time to find higher ground once a flash flood warning is issued.

Both watches and warnings are essential for staying safe during extreme weather events and should be taken seriously. The extra alert could save your life! 

Severe weather watches and warnings are essential tools National Weather Service or Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologists use to communicate the potential risks of extreme weather events.  However, there are significant differences between 

 Understanding the Difference Between Weather Watches and Warnings

# Introduction

Exploring the backcountry can be a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience. The untouched beauty of nature and the sense of adventure draws outdoor enthusiasts off the beaten path. However, the backcountry has its risks, especially when storms hit.

Knowing how to stay safe during unpredictable weather conditions is crucial whether you're an avid hiker, paddler, camper, or backpacker. This article will discuss essential tips and precautions to ensure your backcountry adventures remain enjoyable and secure, even when faced with severe weather.

# Plan Thoroughly and Stay Informed

Proper planning is the foundation of backcountry safety, especially regarding weather. Before embarking on any trip, research the weather forecast for the area and the duration of your adventure. Pay attention to potential storms, thunderstorms, extreme temperatures, or other severe weather warnings that might affect your route and decision-making.

How you stay informed about sudden weather changes once you are off-grid can be a challenge. [Adiona Alert](https://adionaalert.com/) is the perfect solution to ensure you will be notified when severe weather could impact your adventure, using the satellite communicator you are likely already carrying. Based on your location, we will send you a message as soon as possible once the National Weather Service or other public safety agency issues a severe weather, flash flooding or safety alert.

# Share Your Itinerary

Please always tell someone about your planned itinerary, including your expected return date. Share the details of your route, campsite locations, and any alternative plans you might have in case of bad weather or other emergency.

Access to communication can be limited in the backcountry. Using a satellite communicator like a [Garmin InReach](https://www.garmin.com/en-CA/c/outdoor-recreation/satellite-communicators/) or a [Zoleo](https://www.zoleo.com/en-gb) is an incredible benefit, especially when you add the ability to [receive immediate notifications when severe weather or safety alerts](https://adionaalert.com/how-it-works), regardless of where you are.

# Pack Adequate Clothing and Gear

Being appropriately dressed and equipped can significantly impact your safety during severe weather. Please pack clothing suitable for layering, regardless of the forecast. Even if the weather is expected to be warm, conditions can change rapidly, particularly in mountainous regions. Bring rain gear, a sturdy tent, and a warm sleeping bag rated for lower temperatures than you anticipate.

Additionally, carry a first-aid kit, a GPS device or map and compass, a satellite communicator, a multi-tool, and enough food and water to last beyond your expected trip duration.

# Monitor the Sky and Surroundings

While enjoying your backcountry adventure, always remain vigilant of the signs of changing weather. Watch the sky for dark clouds, shifting winds, or sudden temperature drops. Listen for distant thunder or other atmospheric disturbances. When in doubt, trust your instincts and err on the side of caution by seeking shelter or making necessary changes to your route.

However, your ability to observe approaching weather can be limited by your surroundings and knowledge of the area and its weather patterns. More importantly, once you notice strong winds, a lightning strike, a thunderstorm or other severe weather coming, it might be difficult or even impossible to find shelter. [Our severe weather alerts delivered directly to your satellite communicator are invaluable](https://adionaalert.com/how-it-works). They may even save your life.

# Seek Adequate Shelter

When severe weather strikes, finding suitable shelter is crucial. You can head to your tent or shelter immediately if you are near your campsite. If hiking or backpacking, avoid taking refuge under tall trees or other tall objects, as they can attract lightning strikes. Instead, look for natural depressions or low-lying areas away from ridges or open spaces. In extreme conditions, crouch down low with your feet together to minimize the risk of lightning strikes.

# If You Are On or Near Water

During severe weather, stay away from rivers, streams, or other bodies of water. Flash floods and rising water levels can occur suddenly and pose significant dangers to backcountry travellers. Please cross streams with caution and only when necessary, and understand the potential risks beforehand.

Water is unpredictable as it conducts strong winds, so you should always remain on land until the bad weather passes. If you're swimming, leave the water immediately when you see a lightning strike or hear thunder. If you're kayaking or sailing, go to shore if a storm hits. Be aware in areas where the river or creek can get affected by flash flooding. If there are flash floods, go to higher ground. Avoid crossing flooded waters, as the undercurrent could cause sweep you away.

# Wait It Out

If you encounter severe weather unexpectedly, the best action might be to wait it out. Find shelter or create a temporary one using a tarp or emergency bivouac. Remain calm and patient until conditions improve or until you can safely proceed with your journey.

# Conclusion

Backcountry travel offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature but demands respect and caution, especially regarding storm safety. Please remember that preparation, awareness, and staying informed are essential for your protection and those around you. By planning thoroughly, packing appropriate gear, and making informed decisions, you can minimize the risks and make the most of your backcountry adventures, even in the face of challenging weather conditions.

[Subscribing to Adiona Alert](https://adionaalert.com/) significantly enhances backcountry severe weather safety by ensuring you receive severe weather, flash flooding or safety alerts issued by the National Weather Service or other public safety agency immediately based on your location. We allow you to weather the storm safely and enjoy everything the great outdoors offers.

Exploring the backcountry can be a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience. The untouched beauty of nature and the sense of adventure draws outdoor enthusiasts off the beaten path. However, the backcountry has its risks, especially when storms hit.

Severe Weather Safety in the Backcountry: How to Stay Prepared and Protected

Weather alerts can be a lifesaver in many situations, particularly in remote areas where people may not have access to real-time weather updates. However, the effectiveness of weather alerts in remote areas is often questioned due to various factors such as limited communication infrastructure, lack of accessibility to weather data, and the remoteness of the location itself.

In remote areas, weather can change quickly, and with little or no warning, making it challenging for people to prepare and respond adequately. Weather alerts are designed to provide information about incoming weather conditions to people who might be affected by them. These alerts are usually broadcasted via radio, television, or mobile phones, and are life-saving in times of severe weather.

**Delivering alerts with limited communication infrastructure**

One of the primary challenges with weather alerts in remote areas is the lack of communication infrastructure. In many remote areas, people may not have access to reliable internet or phone services, making it difficult to receive real-time weather updates. This can be particularly dangerous in areas prone to severe weather like severe thunderstorms, flash floods, or tornadoes, where timely information can make all the difference.

The remoteness of the location itself can also affect the effectiveness of weather alerts. In remote areas, people may not be familiar with the local geography, making it challenging to understand the extent of the weather conditions and how they will impact the area. Additionally, people in remote areas may not have the resources or infrastructure to respond effectively to severe weather conditions, even if they have received timely warnings.

Adiona Alert offers a practical solution to these challenges by delivering weather alerts everywhere you need them, regardless of reliable internet or phones services, by using the Personal Satellite Communicator you likely already carry.

Better yet, we keep track of your location as you travel so that we can alert you as soon as an weather alert is issued or when you enter an area that is already the subject of a previously issued weather alert. We then continue to monitor your travels and updates to weather alerts so you will always have this critical information reliably, without needing you look for updates or different regional information.

**Quality forecasts and observations in remote areas**

Another challenge is the accessibility to weather data. In some remote areas, weather stations may not be available, making it difficult to get accurate and up-to-date information. This is especially true for developing countries where resources for establishing and maintaining weather stations are limited. 

Severe weather prediction models and the technology powering weather radar are continually improving and worldwide, weather forecasting agencies are committed to improving service to remote areas.

Fortunately, in the U.S., the National Weather Service (NWS) and in Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) are aware of the challenges posed by remote areas and have implemented several initiatives to improve service.

Both agencies have established partnerships with local governments, organizations, and communities to improve communication infrastructure and establish new weather stations in remote areas. These partnerships aim to ensure that remote communities have access to accurate and up-to-date weather information to prepare for severe weather conditions.

The NWS and ECCC have also implemented networks of volunteer observers who report weather data from their local areas to them, the Cooperative Observer Program (COOP) in the U.S. and the Community Weather Observation Program (CWOP) in Canada.

These programs provides valuable weather information for areas where weather stations may not be available or accessible combined with improved weather radar and forecasting technology, reliable weather alerts are available in the most remote areas.

**Committed to Providing Service, including in remote areas**

Working with the national weather forecast service providers ensures that the weather alerts we monitor are effective regardless of the remoteness of the areas you visit. The NWS and ECCC are committed to and have the responsibility to providing service to all citizens, whether they live in an large urban city or in a remote community.

While private weather forecast providers may offer some additional services, they simply don't have the same commercial interest in serving sparsely populated and remote areas. And they all rely heavily, if not exclusively, on the severe weather alerts issued by the NWS and ECCC as the source of their weather alerts.


> The NWS includes the estimated size of the affected population for a particular weather alert and it's not unusual to find the estimated size of the affected population to be a single digit number in remote areas, an excellent example of the commitment to ensuring that this critical information is available.

Weather alerts can be effective in remote areas, but several challenges must be addressed to ensure their efficacy. By using the solution we provide to ensure you receive alert everywhere you go, weather alerts are a valuable tool for saving lives and minimizing the impact of severe weather in remote areas.

The effectiveness of weather alerts in remote areas is often questioned due to various factors such as limited communication infrastructure, lack of accessibility to weather data, and the remoteness of the location itself. By using the solution we provide

How Effective are Weather Alerts in Remote Areas

You might be interested in why I founded Adiona Alert and may have wondered how I came up with the idea in the first place, so I thought I’d share a little about how we got here.

# Introduction

Severe weather alerts have a long and established history dating back to storm sirens in the 1970s. We have also become acquainted with the most recent evolution of severe weather alerts, Wireless Emergency Alerts that are now being sent to our cellular phones to warn us of extreme weather and many other safety alerts.

While we are not introducing human flight like the Wright brothers did in 1903, we are introducing critical safety services to people and communities without access to what many of us now consider basic information.

Adiona Alerts isn’t a revolutionary invention, but it is life-changing and even life-saving.

# Lifelong avid outdoor adventurer

I’m a lifelong outdoor adventurer. I’m not an extreme sports athlete and haven’t climbed the world's tallest peaks, but I’ve always enjoyed exploring the outdoors. Whether hiking, backpacking, biking, or paddling, I love being outdoors and exploring new parts of our world. Sometimes, it’s a morning hike or an afternoon paddle. Sometimes, it’s a multi-day trek by bike or a months-long road trip in my overland vehicle.

Over the last few years, I’ve been exploring remote areas from Newfoundland and Labrador to northern Vancouver Island, from Acadia National Park to Death Valley National Park (to name a few), and south to the Baja Peninsula. And like most of you, my adventures have been taking me to wilderness areas where there are few services, let alone a cellular phone signal. We also tend to be better prepared for our adventures, or at least, we like to think so. We certainly carry more gear, take more training, and spend more money on our adventures.

Meanwhile, our expectations are rapidly changing and perhaps more importantly, so are the expectations of our loved ones. For better or worse, we tend to want more connectivity, and our loved ones expect us to check in regularly, even when we are “off-grid.”

You only need to look at how many of us carry a satellite communicator such as an InReach “just in case” or so we can “check-in” daily. Or maybe you were given one from a loved one or friend because it seems like essential equipment for an adventure.

If you are an employer, you don’t need me to tell you that the expectations of your employees, their unions and the regulators have certainly increased regarding workplace safety, preparedness and connectivity in remote workplaces.

# Career as a public safety and emergency management professional

A couple of years ago, I retired from a long career as a public safety and emergency management professional. I spent my career making sure people were safe from hazards they had likely never even considered and working with communities to prepare for and respond to significant emergencies that threatened the life and health of their residents.

I was also fortunate to work with communities of all sizes, from large metropolitan cities to some of the most isolated, remote northern hamlets. And I’ve always been taken, even concerned, by the stark contrast between what most of us expect from public safety agencies and what people in remote communities must accept as “the best that can be provided.”

Later during my career, I became responsible for employees who had to travel to, live and work in some of the most remote areas of our country, dealing with the challenges of remote work in areas where the essential communication services most of us expect are entirely inaccessible.

So, it’s safe to say that my passion for public safety and emergency preparedness and my special appreciation for some of the challenges of staying safe in remote areas led me to an “ah ah” moment that led to the idea behind Adiona Alert.

# This is the service I needed but could not find

In 2020, while weathering the storm that COVID-19 brought to all our lives, I spent a few months exploring the northern part of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It is there, after spending several days in Cape Scott Provincial Park, an incredible but remote area on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, that it occurred to me that had a severe weather (winter storms along the west coast of Vancouver Island are no joke) warning or worse, a Tsunami warning after a distant earthquake, been issued I would not have had a clue.

And this is despite having one of the latest iPhones, a marine VHF radio, a GMRS radio, both with weather alerts monitoring, two 2M/60cm amateur radios and my beloved Garmin InReach with me.

You see, communication over FM radios is unreliable in mountainous regions and the terrain, while spectacular, proved to be a significant obstacle to the reliable reception of weather radio broadcasts. And without cellular phone service, I would never receive a wireless alert. While I have complete confidence in the ability of my Garmin InReach to summon help and save my life (or that of another person) in an emergency, my satellite link to the world couldn’t warn me to seek safety.

So, when I returned to civilization in search of groceries and a hot shower, I began to look for a solution that would have allowed me to know of severe weather, a Tsunami or other safety risk using my Garmin InReach or another similar device. To my amazement, I couldn’t find a solution to my problem.

A few weeks later, I learned that friends of mine had a similar experience; while camping in Utah, a Good Samaritan visited their camp well after midnight because he had received a Flash Flood Warning alert from the National Weather Service. Knowing the area and that it was likely that people would be dispersed camping in this remote area, he thought he should check the area and alert them to the impending life-threatening event. A stranger had, at best, saved them from an eventful and unpleasant departure from camp in the middle of the night, or at worst, saved my friends from losing their trucks, equipment or possibly their lives.

When I heard about their experience, I asked them if they had their Garmin InReach. Not only did they have theirs (“Of course, I would never venture in a remote area without it” was the answer), there were multiple personal satellite communicators and one satellite phone amongst the group that trip.

Unfortunately, none of them could have provided a warning of a life-threatening risk … until now.

As incredible of an achievement as it is always to have a reliable communication link using a constellation of satellites orbiting the earth and the ability to reach qualified specialists who can arrange a rescue 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, none of our friends or family are watching our location and monitoring severe weather or other risks to my safety so they could alert us to them.

But our team at Adiona Alert can, and we would be honoured to do so for you.

# Conclusion

After nearly two years of research and development work, we monitor the safety alerts issued by hundreds of public safety agencies in Canada and the U.S., from the National Weather Service and Environment and Climate Change Canada to the National Tsunami Warning Center and local law enforcement and public safety agencies, so we can keep an eye on your location and immediately alert you no matter where you are.

Your satellite communicator can now alert you when your safety is at risk, not just summon help once you are in trouble.


You might be interested in why I founded Adiona Alert and may have wondered how I came up with the idea in the first place, so I thought I’d share a little about how we got here.

Latest Articles

Understanding the Difference Between Weather Watches and Warnings

Severe Weather Safety in the Backcountry: How to Stay Prepared and Protected

How Effective are Weather Alerts in Remote Areas

How Adiona Alert Came To Be