Environment Canada Warns of -50 C Lows, With Snowfall up to 40 cm in Some Regions This Week

A woman shovels snow away from her car in Montreal on Jan. 2, 2021. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

Winter is coming to Canada with a vengeance this week with some areas of the country expected to receive up to 40 centimetres of snow while others will face windchills of up to -50 degrees C.

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm watch for some parts of Ontario and Quebec with predicted snowfall amounts ranging between 20 and 40 centimetres beginning Jan. 9.

An “expansive Texas low” will bring a “swath of snow, widespread heavy rains, blustery winds, and even a risk for ice pellets and freezing rain,” on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10, the Weather Network said, adding that it is “one of the biggest systems of the season so far.”

Environment Canada issued special weather statements and winter storm watches across Ontario and Quebec ahead of the storm.

“Hazardous road conditions can be expected,” the agency said on Jan. 8. “Evaluate the possibility of bringing forward or delaying any non-essential travel.”

Quebec

A “major storm” will enter Western Quebec on the afternoon of Jan. 9, reaching Central Quebec in the evening, Environment Canada said.

The Weather Network is forecasting heavy snow will hit western and southern Quebec, dropping up to 40 cm across the Laurentians by Jan. 10.  Quebec City is expected to get up to 25 cm of snow without the icy conditions the areas to the east will receive.

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Montreal and Gatineau can expect 10 to 20 cm of snow and an “extended period of freezing rain” and, possibly, ice pellets in the pre-dawn hours.

“Gusty winds will also accompany the wintry mix across central and eastern parts of the province, with the threat for dangerous whiteout conditions and power outages on the line, as well,” the Weather Network says.

Ontario

The nation’s capital can expect snow late in the afternoon on Jan. 9, although the worst of the storm will arrive in the evening and continue into the following morning. Several hours of freezing rain are possible, particularly in the Ottawa Valley, the weather agency said.

Portions of southern Ontario can expect a mixed bag of weather with up to 15 cm of snow changing to freezing rain and possibly rain overnight as temperatures rise above the freezing mark, Environment Canada said.

Northeastern Ontario could be hit especially hard with heavy snowfall and blowing winds predicted. Sudbury, Manitoulin Island, Elliot Lake, and Sault Ste. Marie can expect up to 30 cm of snow and northeast winds gusting up to 60 km/h, resulting in poor visibility and hazardous travel conditions, according to the Weather Network.

Blizzard Warning

A blizzard is on the way for Canada’s east coast as well. The Cartwright and Black Tickle areas of Newfoundland and Labrador can expect wind gusts to reach speeds of 80 to 90 km/h, with visibility near zero in blowing snow. The areas can expect five to 10 cm of snow.

A storm surge warning has also been issued for St. John’s and its vicinity with water levels reaching four to six metres in height, breaking upon approach to shore.

“An intense storm will remain nearly stationary south of Greenland for the next several days. This system will produce long period swells, with large breaking waves approaching the coast,” the weather warning read, adding that water levels will exceed “high astronomical tide, with large breaking waves pushing water onto vulnerable sections of the coastline.”

The highest risk of flooding is expected during high tide in the early morning hours of Jan. 9. Environment Canada is advising the public to stay clear of the shoreline.

British Columbia can also expect to be hit hard by old man winter, with Environment Canada issuing more than 20 snowfall warnings across several regions. The agency is forecasting 10 to 20 cm of snow beginning in the afternoon with precipitation continuing overnight Jan. 9. Increased snowfall amounts can be expected in higher terrain.

According to Environment Canada, visibility may suddenly be reduced in heavy snow.

Extreme Cold Warning

While the northern parts of the country won’t be hit with snow or freezing rain, Environment Canada is warning several areas to brace for bitingly cold temperatures.

The agency has issued extreme cold warnings for parts of Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, and Yukon, saying some temperatures are expected to dip to a frigid -50 C with the wind chill.

A “multi-day episode of very cold wind chills’' is expected as an arctic airmass settles over the Old Crow, Yukon, the weather agency said. “Bitterly cold wind chills,” near -50 C, and temperatures sitting around -35 C are expected with wind gusts up to 20 km/h.

Five alerts were issued for the Northwest Territories with several regions predicted to have wind chill values near -50 C on Jan. 8 that will continue through to the middle of the week.

The cold air is expected to hit Saskatchewan’s Cree Lake and Key Lake with temperatures dropping to -45 C the evening of Jan. 8, with severe cold lasting throughout the week.

“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” Environment Canada said. “Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frostbite and hypothermia. Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.”

The agency advised staying inside as much as possible and keeping pets indoors.