Canada is facing continued severe winter weather as a recent winter storm hit Ontario and Quebec, causing chaos on the roads and leaving thousands without power. Environment Canada issued yellow and orange weather warnings for millions of residents as storms swept through both provinces, bringing snow squalls, blowing snow, and freezing temperatures. The aftermath of freezing rain on Monday further complicated travel, with tens of thousands left without power at one point.
Various weather systems, including blizzards, cold snaps, and freezing rain, have impacted much of Canada over the past week. Cold temperatures are expected to persist in eastern provinces until the end of the week, according to forecasts from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
In British Columbia, heavy rainfall washed out a section of Highway 16 in Haida Gwaii, leaving some residents stranded and disrupting critical north-south travel on the island. The washout affected access to hospitals and essential infrastructure on the archipelago.
ECCC reported that an atmospheric river system from the Pacific has stalled over B.C.’s North Coast, resulting in prolonged rain in Kitimat and surrounding areas. A flood watch has been in effect for Haida Gwaii and the North Coast since December 27, with nearby rivers at risk of reaching or exceeding bank levels due to the rainfall.
Simultaneously, a bomb cyclone is moving across the northern United States, bringing severe winter weather to the Midwest with a trajectory towards the East Coast. Parts of Canada, particularly northeast of Quebec City and northern New Brunswick, are expected to experience significant snowfall and high winds.
ECCC warns of continuing blizzard conditions in London, Lake Huron, and Georgian Bay regions, with residents advised to be cautious due to dangerous snow squalls that may disrupt transportation and utilities. The agency highlights the potential for up to 50 centimeters of snow accumulation in some areas, accompanied by near-zero visibility caused by strong northwesterly winds.
Warnings for “difficult winter conditions” are in place for a large area in northern Ontario and parts of Quebec, indicating additional snow, strong winds, and reduced visibility. The Atlantic region is also under yellow or orange alerts, with more snow and strong winds expected in northern New Brunswick and snow squalls forecasted for several Nova Scotia counties.
Air Canada has cautioned travelers about possible flight disruptions to and from Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto airports due to weather-related issues. The airline is working to recover from a backlog caused by canceled or delayed flights in multiple cities on Monday. Despite the end of weather warnings in southern Quebec, colder temperatures persist following freezing rain, leading to icy conditions in Montreal and other areas.