Weather Alerts: Blizzards, Snowfall, and Fog Hit 12 Provinces and Territories

Environment Canada has issued urgent weather alerts for numerous provinces and territories, anticipating blizzard conditions, significant snowfall, and fog across Canada. These alerts were activated on New Year’s Day, emphasizing the severe weather expected throughout the country.

Weather Alerts Across Canada

Atlantic Canada

In Atlantic Canada, Prince Edward Island is under special weather statements due to projected snowfall. Some regions within Prince, Kings, and Queens counties may receive between 10 to 15 centimeters of snow. A developing low-pressure system is predicted to cause snowfall, which may transition to rain in certain areas.

• New Brunswick and Nova Scotia: Snowfall warnings indicate totals of up to 20 centimeters in some regions.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Channel-Port aux Basques is also experiencing wind warnings with gusts reaching 90 to 120 km/h.

Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba

Quebec is facing various weather warnings including winter storms and blizzards. Regions like Amqui and Kuujjuarapik may see snow accumulations of 15 to 40 centimeters alongside wind gusts up to 90 km/h.

• Ontario: Snowfall warnings in areas like Barrie and Waterloo may bring 10 to 30 centimeters by Friday night.
• Manitoba: A blizzard warning for Churchill expects wind gusts of up to 90 km/h, with severe wind chills reaching -45 to -50 in the northeast.

Saskatchewan and Alberta

Saskatchewan is warned of extreme cold in northern areas and dense fog in southern regions, including Regina. Residents should anticipate wind chill values as low as -45, risking frostbite on exposed skin.

• Alberta: Snowfall, cold, and fog advisories are in effect. Expect near-zero visibility in fog-affected areas.
• North of Edmonton, snowfall between 15 to 30 centimeters is expected, with extreme wind chills in places like Wood Buffalo.

British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut

British Columbia has snowfall and fog warnings in effect, with regions such as North and South Peace River expected to receive 10 to 15 centimeters of snow. The Vancouver area may experience significant fog, impacting visibility significantly.

• Northwest Territories: Cold weather warnings in the North Slave Region predict wind chills near -50.
• Nunavut: Blizzard and winter storm warnings are in effect, particularly in areas like Arviat and Baker.

With such severe weather projections, residents across affected provinces and territories are urged to stay safe and remain updated on conditions. Travel may be hazardous, and preparations are essential to navigate these winter challenges.