Severe winter weather is hitting much of Canada this weekend, prompting Environment Canada to issue several warnings from Ontario and Quebec to the Prairies and the North.
In Ontario, a strong storm moving across the Great Lakes is expected to bring freezing rain from late Saturday into Monday. Areas north and east of Toronto, including Newmarket, Aurora, Uxbridge, Cobourg and Colborne, could see up to 10 millimetres of ice. Icy roads, slippery sidewalks and possible power outages are a concern. Snowfall watches are also in effect near Lake Superior, including Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins.
Parts of Quebec, including Montreal and nearby regions, are under freezing rain warnings. Ice pellets or freezing rain could last into Monday, raising the risk of dangerous travel, falling tree branches and power outages. Northern Quebec is also facing snowfall alerts.
Across the Prairies, Alberta and Saskatchewan have advisories for blowing snow and poor visibility, with blizzard warnings in some areas. British Columbia continues to see winter weather alerts, especially in interior and mountain regions.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, a powerful storm is bringing heavy snow and strong winds, making travel unsafe. Meanwhile, parts of the Yukon are under extreme cold warnings, with temperatures near –50 C.
Environment Canada is urging people to stay alert, limit travel when possible and monitor forecasts as conditions can change quickly.
