Weather alerts blanket much of Canada this weekend.
Canada faces a weekend of severe weather, with snow, high winds, and extreme cold prompting alerts across the country. Here’s a regional breakdown of what to expect:
Newfoundland and Labrador
The southeastern tip of Labrador and all of Newfoundland are under multiple weather alerts.
- Labrador: The Lodge Bay area is under a winter storm watch, expecting over 30 cm of snow in higher terrain, wind gusts of 90 km/h inland, and up to 110 km/h along the coast from Sunday evening to Monday afternoon.
- Newfoundland:
- Northern regions face wind and winter storm warnings with 20–30 cm of snow and gusts up to 100 km/h.
- Southeastern areas expect coastal wind gusts reaching 120 km/h.
- The eastern tip is under a rainfall warning for 30–50 mm of rain.
- Special weather statements predict varying snow and rainfall amounts starting Sunday, with coastal flooding and erosion warnings in place due to high waves and elevated water levels.
The Maritimes
Severe weather affects Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the Magdalen Islands.
- Nova Scotia (Inverness County): Winter storm warnings forecast 20–30 cm of snow, up to 60 cm in the highlands, and gusts reaching 100 km/h.
- Cape Breton & Northern Mainland Nova Scotia: Snowfall of 5–15 cm with winds of 70–90 km/h is expected.
- Prince Edward Island: Eastern PEI anticipates similar conditions with winds up to 90 km/h and 5–15 cm of snow.
- Magdalen Islands: Snowfall of 15–20 cm and gusts of 70–90 km/h are forecast.
Environment Canada warns of blowing snow reducing visibility, urging caution for travelers.
Quebec
Weather alerts vary across the province.
- Eastern Coast (near Labrador): Wind warnings forecast gusts of 90–100 km/h.
- Natashquan: Winds of 80–90 km/h under a special weather statement.
- Kangiqsujuaq (Northern Quebec): Blizzard conditions with snow and winds of 60–80 km/h creating near-zero visibility.
- James Bay Coast: Winter storm warnings predict 20–30 cm of snow with 70 km/h gusts, causing blowing snow and poor visibility.
Travel is discouraged in affected regions.
Ontario
Southern Ontario is under widespread snow squall alerts.
- Regions affected: From Kawartha Lakes to Parry Sound and the Bruce Peninsula, snowfall between 15–40 cm and blowing snow are expected through Sunday.
- Sault Ste. Marie: Snow squall warnings predict 15–30 cm of snow with reduced visibility.
- Extreme Cold Warning: Wind chills near -40 affect regions northwest of Atikokan, while Hudson and James Bay coasts face blowing snow advisories with 80 km/h gusts.
Manitoba
Southern Manitoba is under extreme cold warnings, with wind chills reaching -40. Bitter cold is expected across the Prairies, easing by Monday.
Saskatchewan and Alberta
Extreme cold warnings are active in southern Saskatchewan and parts of Alberta.
- Saskatchewan: Wind chills as low as -40 will persist over the weekend.
- Alberta: Central-eastern areas near Medicine Hat may see up to 15 cm of snow, with wind chills around -40 expected to subside Saturday.
British Columbia
Peace River regions faced extreme cold with -40 wind chills earlier this weekend. These warnings have since been lifted.
The Territories
Extreme conditions grip northern Canada.
- Nunavut: Coal Harbour faces blizzard conditions with wind chills of -30 and zero visibility, easing by Sunday.
- Northwest Territories & Yukon: Wind chills nearing -50 affect regions around Yellowknife, the Mackenzie River, and parts of Yukon. Frostbite risk is high, and visibility may be near zero in some areas.
Residents across Canada are advised to prepare for hazardous conditions, avoid non-essential travel, and monitor updates from Environment Canada.
