Severe winter weather is impacting large regions of Canada, with Environment Canada issuing multiple warnings for various provinces. From Ontario to Quebec, the Prairies, and Northern territories, the cold season is expected to bring significant challenges.
Overview of Winter Weather Warnings
In Ontario, a powerful low-pressure system is moving across the Great Lakes. This system is predicted to generate prolonged freezing rain starting late Saturday. The freezing rain will continue into Sunday afternoon and last until Monday morning.
Impact Areas in Ontario
- Regions north of Toronto, including Newmarket, Aurora, Georgina, and Uxbridge, are likely to experience ice accretion between 5 to 10 millimeters.
- Communities east of Toronto, such as Cobourg and Colborne, have also been placed under advisories.
Hazardous conditions may arise due to temperatures around freezing, prompting concerns over icy roads, sidewalks, and potential power outages.
Warnings Across Canada
A special weather statement has been issued for portions of Peterborough County. Areas around Lake Superior, including Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins, are under snowfall watches, indicating moderate to severe weather hazards.
Quebec Weather Alerts
- Greater Montreal, Laval, Montérégie, Laurentians, Lanaudière, and Outaouais regions are under freezing rain warnings.
- Freezing rain is expected overnight Sunday, lasting into Monday, which could disrupt travel and lead to falling tree branches.
Further north in Quebec, regions are anticipating snowfall, compounding the winter weather challenges.
Prairies and Western Canada Weather Conditions
The Prairies, including Alberta and Saskatchewan, are facing widespread advisories due to blowing snow, poor visibility, and treacherous driving conditions. Some areas are even under blizzard warnings.
British Columbia’s Weather Alerts
Winter weather alerts persist in parts of British Columbia, where snow and challenging travel conditions are forecasted in several interior and mountainous regions.
Winter Storms in Eastern Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador are dealing with a major winter storm, particularly affecting Green Bay and White Bay. Residents can expect heavy, wet snow accumulating between 40 to 60 centimeters, coupled with wind gusts reaching 110 km/h, creating hazardous travel conditions.
Conditions in Northern Territories
The Yukon is experiencing extreme cold warnings, with temperatures plummeting to nearly -50°C. Authorities urge residents to limit outdoor activities to minimize frostbite risks.
Recommendations for Residents
Environment Canada stresses the importance of staying informed as weather conditions can shift rapidly. Residents across the affected regions should monitor forecasts and alerts closely.
