Severe winter weather is sweeping through significant regions of Canada this weekend, prompting Environment Canada to issue multiple warnings from Ontario and Quebec to the Prairies and Northern territories.
In Ontario, a rapidly intensifying low-pressure system moving across the Great Lakes is set to unleash a prolonged period of freezing rain starting late Saturday, continuing into Sunday afternoon and lasting until Monday morning. Areas north of Toronto, including Newmarket, Aurora, Georgina, and Uxbridge, along with certain parts of northern York Region, may accumulate five to ten millimeters of ice.
Communities east of Toronto, such as Cobourg and Colborne, have also been included in the advisory zone. Environment Canada warns that temperatures hovering around the freezing point could lead to rain transitioning into freezing rain, which poses risks of hazardous road conditions, icy sidewalks, and potential power outages.
Additionally, a special weather statement is in effect for Peterborough County, while regions near Lake Superior, including Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins, are facing snowfall watches.
With these regions under a yellow warning, residents should be aware that hazardous weather could result in damage, disruptions, or health impacts, with effects being moderate, localized, or short-term.
In Quebec, warnings for freezing rain and special weather statements have been issued for Greater Montreal, Laval, Montérégie, the Laurentians, Lanaudière, and the Outaouais. Freezing rain or ice pellets are anticipated to begin overnight Sunday, potentially persisting into Monday, raising concerns over hazardous travel, downed tree branches, and power outages. Northern Quebec is also bracing for snowfall watches.
The Prairies are not exempt, with Alberta and Saskatchewan under widespread advisories for blowing snow, poor visibility, and treacherous driving conditions, including some regions facing blizzard warnings.
In British Columbia, winter weather alerts are in effect across several parts of the province, with snow and difficult travel conditions expected in various interior and mountainous regions.
Further east, Newfoundland and Labrador continues to experience a major winter storm affecting Green Bay and White Bay, where heavy wet snowfall of 40 to 60 centimeters and winds gusting up to 110 km/h are anticipated to last into early Sunday, creating hazards for travel.
In the North, certain areas of the Yukon are under extreme cold warnings, with temperatures plunging to near -50°C. Residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure and take appropriate precautions to prevent frostbite.
Environment Canada emphasizes that conditions could change rapidly and encourages Canadians to stay updated on forecasts and alerts as the weather system progresses across the country.