Western Storms Sweep Across: Snow, Gusts, and Ice

Winter storms are currently sweeping through Canada, bringing a variety of severe weather conditions across different regions. The mix includes heavy snow, icy conditions, rain, and strong winds.

Overview of Current Storm Conditions

The storms have created a wide range of weather impacts:

• West Coast: Significant snowfall and rainfall.
• Prairies: Blizzard conditions with extreme cold.
• Ontario and Quebec: A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
• Atlantic Canada: A major winter storm with heavy snowfall.

West Coast: Snow and Rain Accumulations

On the Pacific coast, a strong weather system is generating heavy precipitation. Coastal areas are experiencing substantial rain, while substantial snowfall is occurring in the mountains and inland regions.

Some areas could receive up to 50 centimeters of snow. In contrast, locations closer to the ocean may see rain accumulations of around 100 millimeters. This wet and persistent weather pattern is expected to continue until Monday, potentially leading to hazardous road conditions.

Prairies: Blizzard and Frigid Temperatures

The Prairies are facing more severe conditions, with blizzard warnings in effect. Strong gusts and blowing snow are reducing visibility to near zero. Temperatures are plummeting, with wind chill making it feel as cold as -35 to -40 degrees Celsius.

Travel is becoming increasingly dangerous, particularly due to the compounded effects of snow and wind.

Ontario and Quebec: Icy Mix

A weather system interacting with a Colorado low is moving towards Ontario and southern Quebec. This will result in a complex mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, especially on Monday. Southern areas may experience freezing rain, followed quickly by freezing temperatures, creating icy roads and sidewalks.

Farther west, snowfall will dominate, with local accumulations potentially reaching 50 centimeters.

Atlantic Canada: Another Major Winter Storm

In Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the Côte-Nord region, successive storm systems are causing concern. A major winter storm is predicted to bring between 40 to 60 centimeters of snow, along with wind gusts of 90 to 110 km/h.

This allows for hazardous and potentially crippling conditions in these areas.

Safety Advice

As winter demonstrates its full strength across Canada, it is crucial to exercise caution on the roads. Residents are advised to stay updated with weather forecasts and prepare for changing conditions.