OTTAWA – Environment Canada has issued severe weather warnings as a powerful winter storm continues to sweep across the country, with heavy snow and freezing rain expected to persist into the New Year. The agency warned that conditions will be particularly dire in eastern regions, including parts of Ontario and Quebec.
A dangerous mix of heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and high-velocity winds is battering central and eastern Canada.
- Quebec & New Brunswick: Regions including Quebec City and northern New Brunswick are bracing for 15 to 40 cm of snow.
- St. Lawrence Coast: Some coastal areas in Quebec could see extreme accumulations ranging from 40 to 60 cm.
- Ontario: Portions of the province are facing a “mixed bag” of precipitation, with significant ice accretion and snow squalls.
Widespread Disruptions
The storm has already caused significant chaos for residents and travelers:
- Power Outages: In Ontario, tens of thousands were left without electricity on Monday. Hydro One reported that over 60,000 customers lost power at the height of the storm due to ice buildup on tree branches and downed power lines.
- Travel Chaos: Aviation has been hit hard, with major delays and cancellations reported at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport and Halifax Stanfield International Airport. At one point, Montreal reported roughly 12% of its flights were affected.
- Road Safety: Authorities have closed multiple stretches of highways in Northern Ontario due to near-zero visibility and icy surfaces.
Safety Warnings
Environment Canada and local police services are urging residents to exercise extreme caution.
“Avoid non-essential travel as conditions can change rapidly. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways, and parking lots may become icy and slippery,” the agency cautioned.
As the storm moves further east, meteorologists expect temperatures to drop sharply, which could lead to a “flash freeze” in areas recently hit by rain.
