Snowstorms began in earnest across much of Canada over the weekend, causing flight delays while dumping ice pellets and endless amounts of snow in the eastern provinces. Extreme cold also gripped western Canada.
A wave of storm warnings now advances eastward while Environment Canada forecasts more snow and destructive winds in Newfoundland and Labrador. More extreme cold is expected in western provinces, while some snowstorms linger in Quebec and Ontario.
A winter squall warning in central Ontario could continue into Tuesday, blanketing the province in more heavy snow—as much as 60 centimetres. Near-zero visibility conditions have delayed flights and could continue. Dozens of flights were delayed or cancelled at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Pearson said Monday that flights have resumed, but passengers should check before heading to the airport.
In Montreal and along the St. Lawrence Valley region, a blowing snow advisory warns of snow drifts and near-zero visibility, according to Environment Canada, while excessive delays were reported at Montreal’s Trudeau International Airport.
Ottawa escaped Monday’s storm warnings, but got a big dump of snow over the weekend and experienced significant flight delays.
Further east, very strong winds between 60 to 80 kilometres per hour were forecast for New Brunswick, blowing up to 110 kilometres per hour in exposed areas. A winter storm warning could bring 10 centimetres of snow, while visibility could be suddenly reduced to near-zero, Environment Canada reports, adding that road closures are possible.
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The Lower St. Lawrence, North Shore, and surrounding regions of Atlantic Canada also received storm warnings. Areas could experience rapid accumulations of snow of up to 40 centimetres with strong winds between 60 to 80 kilometres per hour, or up to 140 kilometres per hour in easterly-prone areas.
Powerful winds in New Brunswick also could damage roof shingles and windows, and divers should expect hazardous road conditions, says Environment Canada.
The stormy weather could taper off Monday afternoon.
More wind warnings are in store for areas of Nova Scotia and the Fundy coast, though this is expected to ease up Tuesday morning.
Similarly windy conditions are forecast for Labrador, with gusts between 60 to 80 kilometres per hour, or up to 140 kilometres per hour in easterly-prone areas. Similar storms have toppled tall vehicles in the past. Drivers should expect hazardous conditions. The storm could ease up late Monday.
Looking as far west as Peace River in B.C., extreme cold warnings on Monday forecast temperatures falling to minus 40 degrees Celsius at Dawson Creek. Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for the region. Officials have warned motorists to stow emergency supplies such as blankets and booster cables, and for residents not to leave their pets outside.
The extreme cold extends through most of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, where wind chill could cause minus 40 degree Celsius temperatures, though conditions will ease up by mid-week.
Calgary International Airport reported significant flight delays.
