US/Canada: Wintry weather causes power outages, travel disruptions April 15 /update 1

Event

Winter Storm Xanto has brought freezing rain, snow, sleet, and high winds to the upper Midwestern US, Upstate New York, northern New England, Ontario, and Québec as of Sunday, April 15, causing power outages and transportation disruptions on roads and at major regional airports. Notably, some 10,800 people remain without power in Toronto as of Sunday night, as well as around 39,000 elsewhere in southern Ontario. Hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on Sunday; lingering disruptions are expected at YYZ in the coming days due to the rescheduling of flights and further wintry weather.

As of Sunday evening (local time), winter storm warnings remain in effect across parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Upstate New York, and winter weather advisories are in effect for parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Freezing rain warnings have also been issued for southern Ontario and southern Québec. Further wintry weather is forecast for the abovementioned areas on Monday, April 16 (particularly in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, and Québec), as well as high winds and potentially heavy rainfall in parts of southern Ontario and Upstate New York, which may cause localized flooding. Further power outages and transportation disruptions are possible in affected areas.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm travel reservations, allow additional time for travel, and remain vigilant when driving in icy conditions.

Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.