Ontario, Quebec see multiple warnings of heavy snow and rain as winter storm keeps Canada on high alert ahead of New Year’s eve

Ontario continues to reel under bone-chilling weather days ahead of New Year’s Eve as wintry precipitation pushes further into the region, prompting widespread snow and freezing rain warnings. The storm barreling across Ontario will have its eyes on southern Quebec heading into Sunday night and continuing into the day on Monday.

Parts of Ontario brace for a winter storm that is likely to move northeast across the Great Lakes between Monday and Tuesday (December 29 and 30). According to The Watchers, it will bring a mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, strong winds, and heavy rainfall across major parts of Ontario through Tuesday.

Ontario Weather: Environment Canada issues multiple mixed warnings

Environment Canada has issued mixed warnings for Ontario as half of the province continues to see active weather. The alerts issued by the weather department relate to freezing rain, winter storm, snow squall, and rainfall conditions across central, eastern, and southern parts of the province.

According to Global News Canada, Southwestern and southern Ontario cities such as London, Niagara Falls, Kingston, and Toronto could see rainfall of 30 to 60 millimetres and high winds up to 80 km/h by Monday morning, with freezing rain amounts of up to 20 mm also expected. Many of the freezing rain warnings will likely end on Sunday evening or overnight.

As the day progressed, some communities on Sunday had orange freezing rain warnings issued, including Barrie, Caledon, Elliot Lake, Innisfil, and Newmarket.

When are orange warnings issued?

Orange warnings are in place when weather is expected to cause massive damage, disruption, or health impacts that can be really severe and can probably last a few days, according to Global News Canada. Some of these warnings are expected to remain in place into Monday night.

A forecast of heavy snow is also there for Huntsville, Sudbury, Manitoulin Island, and Sault Ste. Marie beginning Sunday night into Monday. The snow prediction is accompanied by a yellow winter storm warning.

When are yellow warnings issued?

Yellow warnings are issued when hazardous weather may cause damage or impacts that are likely moderate, short-term, and localized.

Travel delays and power outages are likely in Quebec

All residents in parts of Quebec province are expected to gear up for travel delays and power outages late Sunday through Monday, as freezing rain will likely leave a crust of ice on exposed surfaces, trees, and power lines across Montreal and the Eastern Townships, according to The Weather Network.

As we move further north, heavy snow is expected toward Quebec City. Heavy snow in Quebec City will begin mixing with ice pellets as the storm wears on.