Powerful winter storms are sweeping across Canada, with
Environment Canada warning of snow, freezing rain, and strong winds. Hazardous travel conditions and potential disruptions are expected from the Prairies to Newfoundland.
Heavy snow and strong winds from a winter storm are set to sweep across the Prairies, lasting until Thursday morning(February 19).
According to CTV News website, large parts of Alberta, including Athabasca, Camrose, Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer, are under snowfall and winter storm warnings. Snow accumulations could reach 30 centimetres on Tuesday morning through evening, with winds up to 70 km/h reducing visibility and creating blowing snow.
Environment Canada warned, “Visibility will likely be suddenly reduced to near zero at times. Road closures are possible. Consider postponing non-essential travel and outdoor activities until conditions improve.”
Heavy snow will hit Saskatchewan on Tuesday, with up to 35 cm forecast in Regina and Prince Albert and strong easterly winds reducing visibility. Conditions should improve by Wednesday.
“These strong winds will spread eastward through the day and reach southwestern Manitoba late Tuesday afternoon,” Environment Canada cautioned. “Travel will likely be hazardous due to near-zero visibility.”
Southern Manitoba can expect heavy snow Tuesday afternoon into evening, tapering off by Thursday morning, with up to 30 cm in some areas. Freezing rain is also forecast for southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba Tuesday afternoon.
As it moves east, the winter storm is set to impact Ontario from Tuesday night into Wednesday night. Northwestern Ontario communities may receive up to 20 cm of snow, with visibility reduced by wind gusts up to 60 km/h. Fog advisories are also in effect near the Great Lakes.
According to CTV News website, areas south, including Brantford, Hamilton, Guelph, Kitchener, Stratford, and Toronto, may see freezing rain on Wednesday, with up to 15 mm of ice and possible outages. East of Toronto, the winter storm is expected to bring snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain Wednesday morning through evening.
A strong winter storm is hitting eastern and northern Newfoundland with 25–50 cm of snow and gusts up to 80 km/h. Eastern BC faces up to 25 cm of snow and frigid winds, while extreme cold with –50 to –60 °C wind chills is expected in parts of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
