06 Apr 2023 | 02:12 AM UTC
Canada: Adverse winter weather forecast over parts of central and eastern regions through at least early April 6 /update 2
Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of central and east Canada through at least early April 6. Power outages ongoing.
Event
Adverse winter weather is forecast across parts of southern Manitoba, southern New Brunswick, most of Nova Scotia, most of Ontario, and southern Quebec provinces through at least early April 6. A winter storm system is forecast to bring heavy snow and freezing rain to the affected area. Heavy snow is likely over southern Manitoba through early April 6, with the heaviest snow of 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) over the far southeastern portions of the province. Snowfall accumulations will decrease to the west and northwest, with 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) likely in the Red River Valley and 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in western Manitoba. Strong winds, with gusts of up to 70 kph (43 mph), are forecast in the Red River Valley and western Manitoba; low visibility is likely. Snowfall accumulations of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) are possible in parts of Ontario. Freezing rain is forecast over southern New Brunswick, most of Nova Scotia, and southern Quebec. Hazardous driving conditions are likely across the affected area due to icy roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.
As of late April 6, Environment Canada has issued red winter storm warnings across parts of southeastern Manitoba and most of Ontario and red freezing rain warnings over southern New Brunswick and southern Quebec. Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Reports indicate that more than 940,000 people are without power across Quebec, mainly in the greater Montreal area, Laurentians, Monteregie, and Outaouais, while more than 122,000 people in Ontario are also without power due to falling branches or trees giving way under the weight of the ice. Victoria Bridge between Montreal and St-Lambert in Montreal was closed the afternoon of April 5. The O-Train Line 1 in Ottawa is suspended. Several flights were canceled or delayed at Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International (YOW) and Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International (YUL) airports. Canada Post suspended delivery for the Outaouais region, Maniwaki, and Mont-Laurier April 5.
Snow accumulations are likely across the affected area. Lesser snowfall totals are possible where sleet and freezing rain mix with snow. In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts will probably lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Blizzard conditions are possible. Sporadic power outages are possible throughout the affected area.
The inclement weather will likely cause widespread ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Dangerous and challenging driving conditions are also probable on secondary and rural roads in the affected provinces as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the affected region. Heavy wet snow and strong winds could bring down power lines and trees with foliage.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. If routing shipments by truck through the affected area, plan accordingly for delivery delays. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
