An ice storm has brought freezing rain, creating hazardous conditions. CTV
Parts of Canada are grappling with a powerful winter storm that started on Sunday and is expected to last through Monday. Southern Manitoba, Ontario, and parts of the Atlantic provinces are bracing for heavy snow, freezing rain, and icy conditions. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued warnings, as the storm continues to disrupt travel and daily life across the regions.
In Manitoba, a winter storm warning is in effect for major cities like Winnipeg and Brandon. The region is experiencing a mix of snow and freezing rain, with snow accumulation expected to range from 10 to 20 cm, along with wind gusts reaching up to 60 km/h. This weather combination is causing hazardous conditions, and ECCC warns that quickly accumulating snow could reduce visibility, making travel difficult. The icy conditions may also lead to slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of accidents.
Further east in Ontario, the storm is also causing significant disruptions. Areas in the western part of the province, including Thunder Bay and surrounding towns along Lake Superior, are expected to receive at least 20 cm of snow. This heavy snow will continue into Monday morning, creating slippery roads and poor visibility. Meanwhile, in southern Ontario, including towns like Aurora, Markham, Vaughan, and Barrie, freezing rain is creating additional concerns. In some areas, up to 4 mm of ice is expected to accumulate on surfaces, leading to treacherous conditions. Parts of eastern Ontario, including Kingston and Cornwall, are also under freezing rain warnings for Monday, with the freezing rain expected to begin late in the morning and continue into the evening.
The storm’s impact stretches into Newfoundland, where the situation is particularly severe. The province has been issued extreme wind warnings for parts of the east, including St. John’s. Winds are expected to gust between 80 and 110 km/h, with the strongest winds occurring along the coast. In northern Newfoundland, heavy snow is expected, with up to 35 cm of accumulation overnight, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 110 km/h. These conditions are expected to persist through Monday, causing further challenges for residents and travelers in the area.
With these extreme weather conditions, the ECCC is urging people in affected regions to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel. Drivers are warned to expect sudden changes in visibility and road conditions, and to be prepared for icy surfaces. Public transportation may also face delays due to the severe weather, especially in areas where freezing rain is expected to cause disruptions.
The storm is expected to ease off by Tuesday, but Monday is shaping up to be a challenging day for those in the storm’s path. As winter weather continues to batter parts of Canada, residents are advised to stay informed about updates and to take necessary precautions.
