A widespread and prolonged winter weather system continues to impact much of Canada, extending into Tuesday. The storm has already caused significant disruption, including road hazards and power outages affecting tens of thousands of people in Ontario and Quebec.
Widespread Warnings and Disruptions
Millions of Canadians remain under yellow and orange weather warnings issued by Environment Canada, stretching from eastern Ontario through to the Atlantic provinces. Snow squalls, blowing snow, and frigid temperatures are compounding travel difficulties following Monday’s freezing rain.
Environment Canada forecasts between 15 and 40 centimetres of snow, accompanied by high winds, for areas northeast of Quebec City and into northern New Brunswick. Further west, in the London and Lake Huron/Georgian Bay regions, “dangerous snow squalls” and blizzard conditions are expected to persist, potentially disrupting transportation, services, and utilities.
Regional Impacts
In British Columbia, heavy rainfall washed out a section of Highway 16 in Haida Gwaii, stranding some residents and severing connections between the north and south parts of the island. A strengthening “bomb cyclone” in the northern United States is also contributing to severe winter weather across the Midwest and is projected to move towards the East Coast.
Northern Nova Scotia, specifically along the northeast coast of Cape Breton Island, is under an orange warning due to les suêtes winds, potentially reaching 140 km/h and posing a risk to high-sided vehicles.
Air Canada has cautioned that flights to and from Montreal, Ottawa, and both Toronto airports may continue to be affected on Tuesday as the airline works to clear a backlog caused by Monday’s weather. Flights were previously cancelled or delayed in several cities, including Montreal, Toronto, London, Ont., Halifax, and St. John’s.
While southern Quebec is no longer under a weather warning, temperatures are dropping to –13 C (feeling like –24 C), and the possibility of refreezing remains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently under weather warnings?
Millions of Canadians are under yellow and orange weather warnings stretching from eastern Ontario to the Atlantic region. Specific areas include parts of northern Ontario, northern Quebec, northern Nova Scotia, and the northeast coast of Cape Breton Island.
What types of weather are being experienced?
The affected areas are experiencing a range of conditions, including snow squalls, blowing snow, freezing rain, strong winds, and blizzard conditions.
What is a “bomb cyclone”?
A bomb cyclone is a midlatitude cyclone that rapidly intensifies, dropping at least 24 millibars in 24 hours. This storm is currently moving across the northern United States and is expected to impact the East Coast.
As conditions evolve, will these warnings be updated, and what steps can Canadians take to prepare for continued winter weather?