Environment Canada has issued weather warnings and alerts for much of the country this weekend, with winter conditions impacting 10 provinces and territories as snow, extreme cold and strong winds move in.
In British Columbia, snowfall warnings are in place for the North and South Peace River regions, where 10 to 20 centimetres of snow is expected. Winter storm warnings have also been issued for the north coast, including Kitimat and Terrace, with up to 40 centimetres of snow forecast, along with freezing rain in areas such as Prince George. Along the Fraser Valley, including Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Hope, special weather statements warn of ongoing wet conditions in flood-prone areas following recent cross-border flooding.
Alberta is facing widespread extreme cold, with more than 70 cold weather warnings issued across northern regions as temperatures drop to –40 C or colder. Similar conditions are expected in southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg and Brandon, where wind chills are forecast to fall below –40.
In the Northwest Territories, blizzard warnings are in effect for areas including Paulatuk and the Tuktoyaktuk-East Channel, with blowing snow and poor visibility expected. Yukon communities such as Dawson and Mayo are under cold weather alerts, with wind chills plunging as low as –55, while snowfall warnings are posted for the Cassiar Mountains and Watson Lake.
Ontario is bracing for heavy snow squalls in the southeast, with 20 to 40 centimetres of snowfall expected. Quebec’s Îles-de-la-Madeleine is under a special weather statement for strong winds and snowfall of up to 15 centimetres.
Atlantic Canada is also preparing for winter conditions. Northern and eastern Nova Scotia could see 20 centimetres or more of snow, Prince Edward Island’s Kings County is forecast to receive at least 15 centimetres along with strong winds, and large portions of Newfoundland and Labrador are under weather statements for heavy snow and high winds, with totals reaching up to 40 centimetres in some areas.
Environment Canada is urging residents to monitor forecasts closely, prepare for hazardous travel conditions and take precautions as winter weather intensifies across the country.