Airport delays and road accidents pile up as severe winter weather grips much of Canada

The recent holiday weekend in Canada has been marked by severe weather conditions, with snow, extreme cold, and freezing rain affecting various parts of the country. Environment Canada issued winter storm warnings for eastern Ontario and western Quebec, with significant snowfall expected in these regions. Southern Ontario was predicted to receive 15 to 25 centimeters of snow, while eastern Ontario and western Quebec were bracing for 25 to 40 centimeters more.

In Western Canada, extreme cold gripped the region for a third day, causing disruptions and challenges for residents. Additionally, a storm swept through the Maritimes, bringing heavy snow and icy conditions that were forecasted to persist into Monday.

Traffic chaos ensued in Ontario, with the Eastern Region Ontario Provincial Police advising against travel due to poor visibility. Multiple collisions were reported on OPP-monitored roads, prompting warnings for drivers to exercise caution. In Toronto, Environment Canada issued alerts about rapidly deteriorating travel conditions, urging people to stay off the roads if possible.

At Toronto Pearson International Airport, several flights were canceled or delayed due to heavy snowfall. The airport had already accumulated over 12 centimeters of snow by Sunday morning, with more expected throughout the day. In Ottawa, Macdonald-Cartier International Airport experienced numerous flight cancellations as crews worked to clear runways and maintain safety.

Quebec faced the heaviest snowfall, with Montreal and Quebec City expected to receive 25 to 40 centimeters of snow. Transport Quebec advised against non-essential travel, warning of hazardous conditions on the roads. Flight cancellations were reported at Montreal and Quebec City airports, affecting domestic travel primarily.

In the Maritimes, concerns about power outages arose as strong winds and snow persisted. Freezing rain posed a risk for outages, with significant snow and ice pellet accumulation expected in certain areas. Weather warnings were issued for Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, with varying snowfall predictions across the provinces.

Meanwhile, the Prairies experienced extreme cold, with temperatures dropping to between -30 C and -50 C in many areas. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba were under extreme cold warnings, with the frigid conditions expected to persist into the week. In Calgary, the worst of the cold was forecasted for Sunday and Monday, posing challenges for residents in the region.

Overall, Canadians across the country faced challenging weather conditions over the holiday weekend, highlighting the importance of staying informed and prepared during winter storms. Stay safe and stay warm!