Weather in Canada 2020

[PaulMy]

Weather warning issued ahead of 'significant winter storm' this weekend
Katherine DeClerq

You'll want to keep your umbrella on hand over the weekend, with rain expected on Saturday. (Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press)

TORONTO -- Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Toronto and much of southern Ontario ahead of a “significant winter storm” on Saturday.

According to the weather agency, rain, freezing rain and snow are all possible due to a low pressure system that will impact most of southern Ontario.

“Significant rainfall amounts are expected for areas north of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Freezing rain is expected to affect most areas east of Lake Huron and eastern Ontario. Significant ice accretion or build up is possible. Snow will affect areas east of Georgian Bay with significant snowfall amounts,” Environment Canada said.

“Travel is expected to be impacted.”

The weather agency said they are still uncertain as to what areas of southern Ontario will be impacted the most by the storm.

“The Ontario Storm Prediction Centre will be closely monitoring the situation. Warnings may be issued as the event draws nearer.”

A low of 2 C is expected on Saturday, so it is unlikely there will be much snow.
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/weather-warning-issued-ahead-of-significant-winter-storm-this-weekend-1.4757284

Caribou on Knee Lake, Mb. Photo by Wayne Boychuk. https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/skywatch-weather/skywatch-pics/skywatch-pics-of-the-day-for-january-1.4750489

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[PaulMy]

Plant-growers unnerved by erratic winter weather near Victoria, B.C.

Plants blooming early after mild December on South Vancouver Island
Adam van der Zwan · CBC News · Posted: Jan 09, 2020 4:00 AM PT | Last Updated: 2 hours ago
Daffodils at Ryan Vantreight's Longview Farms on Vancouver Island's Saanich Peninsula are blooming early this year. (Photo from Longview Farms Facebook page)

Ryan Vantreight says he doesn't know when his seven million daffodils will bloom these days, given that weather patterns over the winter months in Greater Victoria have become so unreliable.

Longview Farms in Saanichton, B.C., is a large organic fruit, vegetable and daffodil producer on Vancouver Island, shipping products across Canada and the United States.

Vantreight says ten years ago, the daffodils would bloom consistently in mid-February, and would be picked later in the month. This year, they started poking their heads out in December⁠ — three weeks earlier than last year.

 "We've had a very mild winter, and because of that … we're having a lot more growth in the fields than we normally would see," he said.
Vantreight says he hopes a severe cold weather snap or snowfall won't kill millions of his daffodils, like it did last February. (Photo from Longview Farms Facebook page)

Vantreight added he isn't worried about the time of year his flowers bloom because the market for his crops will always be there. Instead, he's concerned about the potential for a sudden severe cold weather snap, or a massive snow dump like the one that occurred last February. The weather change killed three million of his early bloomers, damaged a number of fruit and vegetable crops and caused significant financial losses.

He hopes this doesn't become a yearly trend.

"We're holding our breath this year," said Vantreight. "It's a problem when … the flowers come up and then Mother Nature changes her mind and says 'Yeah, we're just going to dump a bunch of snow on you and freeze everything.' "
More extremes in South Vancouver Island weather

Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan said Greater Victoria is seeing more weather extremes than it ever has over the winter months.

    Closed schools, cancelled ferries — and another dump of snow expected for B.C.'s South Coast

After a very dry November and December, followed by extensive rain in January, Castellan said Greater Victoria should see some flurries and a cold weather snap as early as this Friday when temperatures could drop from 10 C to – 2 C.

He added that this December was 1.4 degrees above normal for the south island, making it the 14th warmest December on record.
Plants blooming early in Victoria

Mike McHugh, president of the Victoria Horticulture Society, said he's noticed plants in Victoria budding earlier than usual, including tulips and hydrangeas in his own backyard.
Mike McHugh, president of the Victoria Horticulture Society, says the warmer than usual winter months have caused a number of his flowers to bloom early this year, including these primroses. (Photo by Mike McHugh (Submitted))

"I was in Oak Bay a couple days ago and noticed the rhododendrons almost in full bloom. Normally you wouldn't get anything until the end of the month," he said, adding that he's confident the recent rain and warm weather has had something to do with the early blooms.

He said his neighbour's cherry tree now blooms a full month earlier than it did when it was first planted in 1980. "That, for sure, is a long-term trend," he said.

    Up to 150 mm of rain expected to drench west coast of Vancouver Island

McHugh noted he's nervous about a sudden cold snap after the random weather last year killed many of his fuchsias.

Vantreight said he hopes this weekend's cold weather will be enough to keep his crops from growing too tall, too early, but not enough to kill them.

"The thing about farming is we've got to be able to roll with whatever challenges or changes Mother Nature throws at us," he said.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/warm-weather-vancouver-island-flowers-1.5420137

[PaulMy]

Ontario: Potential record downpours, freezing rain inbound
Digital Writers
theweathernetwork.com

Thursday, January 9th 2020, 6:30 pm - All-time January records are in jeopardy for parts of Ontario this weekend as a mess of a storm threatens significant rain, ice and snow.

Parts of Ontario are set to get more rain from a single incoming system than their entire January average, starting Friday night. But for travellers, a return of cold air Saturday, while the storm is still ongoing, will make for a switchover to freezing rain that will last for several hours. A more granular look at the timing, and amounts, down below.

Visit our Complete Guide to Winter 2019/2020 for an in-depth look at the Winter Forecast, tips to plan for it and a sneak peek at the spring season next year
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS:

    Mild temperatures close out the week
    Rain begins Friday evening, may topple January records into Saturday and Sunday
    Return of cold air Saturday will mean a few hours of freezing rain
    Stay up-to-date on the ALERTS in your area

FRIDAY: BIG BUMP IN TEMPERATURES AHEAD OF INCOMING STORM

Thursday's temperatures were markedly less frigid than earlier in the week, and a surge of even warmer air will take daytime highs into the high single digits for Friday -- possibly even breaking the 10ºC mark for the extreme southwest.

ON Icons

Before the mild air moves in, however, the leading edge of theincoming system will encounter the lingering cold. That spells the potential for a mix of rain and snow moving northeastward through southern Ontario and lasting into early Friday. By the time the morning alarm goes off, however, we should be looking at widespread rain across the board, ahead of some very significant impacts for the weekend.
SATURDAY: RAIN SLOWLY CHANGES TO FREEZING RAIN

The rain will be in full swing by Saturday morning, and temperatures will peak a little warmer than Friday, likely even cracking the double-digit mark for some communities.

By the late morning, however, temperatures begin to fall once again, and communities in cottage country and around the Bruce Peninsula may already be seeing the first drops of freezing rain.

ON Sat AM

That band will continue to gradually creep southward across the province into the afternoon, such that the GTA and areas south of the 401 are likely to remain largely as rain at least into the evening.

On Sat PM
SUNDAY: FREEZING RAIN WIDESPREAD INTO THE MORNING

By the early morning hours of Sunday, a full switchover to freezing rain is likely to have occurred for most if not all of the GTA, while almost all of the rest of the province will also be experiencing it, with the southwest the only likely exception.
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/ontario-shots-of-snow-lake-effect-messy-weekend-system-with-widespread-heavy-rain-freezing-rain-snow

Winter bird feeder. Photo by Diana Gilleshammer.

[PaulMy]

Canada Ontario
Almost All Of Southern Ontario Is Under Terrifying Storm Warnings Right Now
This weekend is gonna suck, guys.
Karen Doradea13 hours ago
Updated on January 10 @ 06:55 PM
Article Featured Image
Matt Jiggins | Flickr Environment Canada

Right now might be a good time to just stay indoors. An Ontario storm is making its way overnight on Jan. 10 and it's going to hit hard. A rainfall or freezing rain warning is currently in effect for the entire southern Ontario region.

According to The Weather Network, the rain is expected to be ridiculously heavy at some parts overnight on Friday and into the weekend.

It's expected to continue right into Saturday with an expected total of 40 to 60 millimetres of rainfall right into the evening.

Some parts of Ontario are expected to be hit with record-breaking rainfalls which will see more than a month's worth of rain in just a few hours.

Unsurprisingly, as a result, flood warnings are also in effect for the GTA. So, if you plan to head into the outdoors, make sure to be prepared.

In fact, the chance of severe flooding is so real that the City of Toronto tweeted an advisory on Friday evening of how to avoid your basement becoming a pond.

According to TWN, there's a chance that the rain might transform into freezing rain starting on Saturday evening since temperatures are set to fall down to around zero degrees.
https://www.narcity.com/news/ca/on/an-ontario-storm-has-the-entire-southern-region-of-the-province-under-weather-warnings

Beautiful Full Moon in The Pas. Photo by Kathy Voyer.

[PaulMy]

Prairies: Temperatures will be among lowest on Earth with intense deep freeze
Digital Writers
theweathernetwork.com

Saturday, January 11th 2020, 8:32 pm - Extreme cold warnings are in effect as bitter cold worsens in the Prairies

While the Prairies are currently experiencing a deep freeze, temperatures are about to get much colder as Arctic air will remain situated across the region through next week. The deep freeze is courtesy of a cross-polar flow pulling in some of the chilliest air in the Northern Hemisphere into the region. There will be light snow throughout the weekend, but accumulations will be limited. Details and timing, below.

Visit our Complete Guide to Winter 2019/2020 for an in-depth look at the Winter Forecast, tips to plan for it and a sneak peek at the spring season next year
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS

    Quick shots of snow over the weekend, highest amounts in northwestern and southeastern Alberta, central Saskatchewan
    Dangerously cold air grips the Prairies through next week
    Stay up-to-date on the ALERTS in your area

SPORADIC SNOW BURSTS THROUGH WEEKEND, BITING COLD WORSENS

In addition to the extremely bitter air in place, there will be sporadic bursts of snow across the Prairies on Sunday as a pair of systems pass through. Amounts will be on the relatively low end and the highest accumulations will be in parts of northwestern and southeastern Alberta and central Saskatchewan, where 5-10 cm could fall through Sunday.
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/prairies-record-breaking-cold-possible-as-dangerous-arctic-air-locks-in

[PaulMy]

Ice storm from US to Canada cuts power to thousands, halts travel with over quarter-inch of freezing rain

By Chaffin Mitchell, AccuWeather staff writer

& Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

& Courtney Spamer, AccuWeather meteorologist

Updated jan. 12, 2020 9:06 AM

On Jan. 11, the roads in Allegan County, Michigan, were not something to take lightly. Icy conditions caused numerous cars to spin off and crash.

A dynamic storm spawned a significant ice storm across parts of the Upper Midwest and Canada this weekend.

Into Saturday afternoon, some cities in Missouri, Kansas and Iowa recorded a quarter-inch or more of freezing rain from the storm.
1/8

Ice glazed trees and elevated surfaces in parts of Leavenworth County, Kansas, on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020. (Photo/@ginfuhrer1)

Ice continued to accumulate across much of Michigan throughout the day on Saturday.

Trenton, Missouri reported 0.33 of an inch of ice while McPherson, Kansas reported a quarter-inch of ice.

As of Sunday morning, 0.22 of an inch of freezing rain has been reported at the Plattsburgh International Airport in Upstate New York, while 0.15 of an inch was recorded in Burlington, Vermont.

AccuWeather Reporter Blake Naftel reported several spinoffs and crashes along U.S. Highway 131 in Allegan County, Michigan, as freezing rain was reported in the area around 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

The accumulation of ice, in addition to wind in the area, helped to bring down trees and create widespread and lengthy power outages across parts of the Midwest.

WWJ News Radio in Detroit reported that DTE Energy had crews at the ready on Saturday, in anticipation that the ice storm would bring significant power outages, bringing down utility poles and power lines.

As much as 200 line workers were brought in from out of state to help with the storm.

A little over 13,000 customers were without power in Michigan as of early Sunday morning, according to poweroutage.us.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

Into Sunday afternoon, southern Ontario and Quebec through central Maine will see the most widespread periods of sleet and freezing rain.

"An AccuWeather Local StormMax™ near 1 inch (25 millimeters) of ice can occur with this storm from southern Ontario, southwestern Quebec to part of western Maine," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.

As the storm departs on Sunday, increasing wind can bring down more trees that withstood the initial ice buildup, potentially leading to road closures due to debris. It's possible power outages may significantly increase in the wake of the storm as a result. Parking or standing beneath trees could be dangerous.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/winter-weather/meteorologists-warn-ice-storm-could-cripple-parts-of-us-and-canada/659542

[PaulMy]

Yesterday's hot and cold spots ...

Hot spot in Northwest Territories: -20.8 °C     -5.4 °F Trail Valley

Cold spot in Northwest Territories: -46.7 °C  -52.1 °F Gameti

Hot spot in Canada: 14.2 °C                           57.6 °F Shelburne Sandy Point, NS

Cold spot in Canada: -47.6 °C                       -53.7 °F Watson Lake, YT

[Mark]

https://electroverse.net/b-c-is-about-to-be-colder-than-its-ever-been-in-over-a-century/

According to the Weather Network –who recently posted a video to help people prepare for the upcoming cold– “these wind chills are next-level.”

Winter is hitting the Canadian province of British Columbia hard in January 2020, reports narcity.com.

On Sunday, January 12 Environment Canada (EC) put practically ALL of B.C. under a weather warning, with wind chills in the -45 degree range headed for many parts of the province — temperature records dating back more than a century will likely be shattered over the course of the coming week.



The Weather Network
✔
@weathernetwork
Numerous warnings and advisories are in place for British Columbia, including a snowfall warning for Metro Vancouver, ahead of a potentially record-breaking Arctic cold set to sweep the province: http://ow.ly/DcIP50xTjHz #BCstorm #BCwx

[PaulMy]

Environment Canada forecasting more snow for Nanaimo

Special weather statement issued for Jan. 13-16

    Nanaimo News StaffJan. 13, 2020 2:49 p.m.Local NewsNews

Wind and snow have posed problems for ferry travellers and motorists the past few days and wintry conditions are going to stick around this week.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement Monday afternoon, saying “a series of disturbances are set to bring more snow to the south coast this week.”

The east coast of Vancouver Island from Duncan to Campbell River will see a weak system approach from the northwest on Monday, the statement notes.

“Outflow winds through mainland coastal inlets and valleys will continue to drive cold arctic air into the Georgia Basin through much of the week…” says Environment Canada. “Northwesterly winds are expected to develop over the Strait of Georgia overnight and where these winds converge with strong outflows from mainland coastal inlets, locally heavier areas of snow are likely to develop. Localized areas from Nanaimo to Qualicum Beach, southern Texada Island, and Half Moon Bay to Sechelt could be affected overnight and on Tuesday.”

A second, more widespread system is predicted to reach the region Tuesday evening, bringing snow for much of the night.

“Mainland arctic outflow winds reaching the eastern coast of Vancouver Island will create the potential for increased snowfall amounts locally,” the statement notes.

A third system has been identified and could bring “a considerable amount of snow” to Vancouver Island on Thursday.
https://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/environment-canada-forecasting-more-snow-for-nanaimo/

Oliver in enjoying his walk on a cold day. Photo by Anna Fifer.

[PaulMy]

Unlike Finland, Canada nixes cold-weather tests, fly-off among competing fighter jets

Finland, which is considering the same aircraft as Canada, for its new jet fleet, is requiring each competing aerospace company to provide two aircraft to test at low temperatures and in real world operating conditions.
David Pugliese, Ottawa Citizen   
Updated: January 15, 2020

Canadian Forces CF=18 Hornet completes one of several flypasts at CFB Trenton before landing. Kevin W. Moore   

Canada won’t conduct a fly-off between fighter jets competing to become the country’s new warplane nor conduct testing to see how such aircraft perform under cold weather conditions.

The decision not to proceed with such tests under Canada’s $19-billion future fighter procurement program stands in contrast to Finland, which is considering the same aircraft as Canada, for its new jet fleet. Each competing aerospace company is required to provide Finland with two aircraft to test at low temperatures and be evaluated in real world operating conditions.

Public Services and Procurement Canada has confirmed that Canada will not do any fly-offs among competing jet or tests for cold-weather operations like Finland has underway.

“We do not have plans for an exercise of this nature,” stated department spokeswoman Stéfanie Hamel.

Finland and Canada are considering the Boeing Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin F-35 and Saab Gripen. The Finnish Air Force is also testing the Dassault Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon, both of which pulled out of the Canadian competition because of worries the process was rigged to favour the F-35.

A US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet jet during the final day of the Canadian International Air Show in Toronto. Ernest Doroszuk/Postmedia Ernest Doroszuk / Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun

Finland hopes to buy 64 aircraft. Canada will purchase 88 aircraft.

Canadian aerospace industry representatives say the competing companies as well as allied air forces could provide Canada with results from tests they have conducted on the competing aircraft.

Finland could have taken the same route but its procurement staff want to ensure the country is getting value for money since the project will cost around $14 billion.

Finnish defence ministry program manager Lauri Puranen outlined in a blog post the extensive tests that will be conducted and the reasons for not relying on tests conducted by others. “The Finnish operating environment and operating methods may differ from other users’ weather and lighting conditions,” Puranen stated. “Winter conditions affect the operation of the multi-function fighter and especially the performance of electro-optical systems, but possibly other active and passive systems as well.”
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/unlike-finland-canada-nixes-cold-weather-tests-fly-off-among-competing-fighter-jets

Ice Fishing huts on a frozen Lake Winnipeg at Sun down. Photo by Liz Duerksen.

[PaulMy]

Ontario: Plunging temps set the scene for significant weekend snow
Digital Writers
theweathernetwork.com

Thursday, January 16th 2020, 9:13 am - A Colorado low will track through the Great Lakes region on Saturday with the threat for significant snow and gusty winds.

After starting the week with milder, well above seasonal conditions, quickly plunging temperatures will set the scene for some significant, widespread snow across southern Ontario this weekend. Before that however, narrow bands of lake-effect snow will impact the traditional snowbelts through Thursday, with bursts of snow extending into parts of the Greater Toronto Area as well. More on the blustery conditions that end this week, and the travel issues with the heavier snow expected for the weekend, below.
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS:

    Snow flurries and bands of lake-effect flurries through Thursday, heavier accumulations in the north
    Colorado low tracks in for Saturday, widespread snow threat through southern Ontario
    Much colder weather locks in for early next week
    Stay up-to-date on the ALERTS in your area

THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY: TEMPERATURES FALL, BANDS OF LAKE-EFFECT SNOW

A dash of nuisance snow spread across parts of Ontario Wednesday night as a weak system pushed through the province, with some lingering snow lasting into pre-dawn Thursday as well.

Daytime highs were also reached early in the morning on Thursday as temperatures plummet and frigid conditions round out this work week on Friday.

Due to the cold northwesterly winds in the wake of the weak system, narrow bands of lake-effect snow squalls will impact the traditional snowbelt regions southeast of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Local amounts of 5-10 cm are possible through Thursday night, with the threat for blowing snow and drifting snow to make for difficult travel in some areas.

ONSouthSnow (1)

"The bands of snow will extend into parts of the GTA at times, briefly lowering visibility, though most places will see just a dusting to 2 cm," says Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham.

DON'T MISS: Why road salt can be ineffective against removing snow and ice

By Friday, southern Ontario will be home to the coldest air we've seen so far in 2020, with daytime highs running close to 10 degrees below average. It's partly that pool of cold air that has forecasters' attention focused on the weekend ahead.

ontario friday afternoon temperatures
SATURDAY: SIGNIFICANT WEEKEND SNOW, STRONG GUSTY WINDS

A Colorado low is the system of interest for Saturday as it tracks into the Great Lakes region with the cold air already in place.

"This system will bring 10-15+ cm of snow to much of southern Ontario, including the 401 corridor," says Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham. "We will also have a strong and gusty southeast wind which will cause extensive blowing and drifting snow."

Through parts of the morning and early afternoon, snowfall rates of 1-3 cm per hour can be expected as temperatures will be a few degrees below freezing at this time.

"Most of our snow from the system will fall in 4 to 5 hours from mid morning through early afternoon," Gillham adds.

https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/ontario-wet-snow-colder-temperatures-weekend-colorado-low-threatens-significant-snow-poor-travel-conditions

Chilly winter sunset in Easterville. Photo by Nadine Hart.

[PaulMy]

Alerts for: London - Middlesex Warnings 9:24 AM EST Thursday 16 January 2020
 Snow squall warning in effect for:
 

• London - Parkhill - Eastern Middlesex County
• Strathroy - Komoka - Western Middlesex County

Snow squalls are expected. Under the snow squall bands, visibilities will be significantly reduced due to the heavy snow combined with blowing snow, and snow will quickly accumulate.

Snow squalls occurring today and tonight.

Local snowfall amounts of 15 to 25 cm are expected with these snow squalls. Strong winds up to 60 km/h are expected causing areas of blowing snow. Snow squalls should weaken by Friday morning.
Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.


https://map.bloomsky.com/weather-stations/gqBxp6apnJSnoJim

[PaulMy]

Snowy weekend in store for London, southwestern Ontario: Environment Canada
By Staff 980 CFPL
Posted January 16, 2020 5:30 pm
Updated January 17, 2020 8:31 am

More snow is on the way for the London region, say meteorologists with Environment Canada.

The national weather agency has issued a special weather statement for London, Middlesex and the rest of southwestern Ontario, saying an incoming low-pressure system will bring more of the white stuff to the region beginning late Friday night.

“The system will spread significant snowfall amounts through most parts of the province,” said Yoseph Menghesha, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.

“It will be a very snowy weekend and very windy as well, winds will be gusting to 60 kilometers per hour so you will need to be mindful of blowing snow.”

Menghesha says the London area will start seeing the impacts of the system after midnight and carry into Saturday morning, adding that 10 to 15 centimetres of snow is possible before the system lightens up through the afternoon.

“In the wake of this system we could still see some local snow squalls on Sunday as well.”

The snowfall will spread eastward to the Golden Horseshoe Saturday morning, dumping between 10 to 15 centimetres of snow.

READ MORE: Snow squall warning issued for London and surrounding area

Menghesha says some areas could see the snow turn over to periods of rain late Saturday, with the snow or rain turning to flurries moving into Sunday morning.

“In the wake of this system we could still see some local snow squalls on Sunday as well.”

Both are expected to cause visibility issues on local roadways. Environment Canada is urging motorists to drive accordingly and avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve.

This latest system follows snow squalls Thursday evening that dumped as much as 8 centimetres in some parts of the London area.

https://globalnews.ca/news/6422316/london-southwestern-ontario-snowy-weekend/

[PaulMy]

As cleanup continues, more messy weather in store for Newfoundland
Social Sharing

More snow, rain forecast for parts of province overnight Sunday
CBC News · Posted: Jan 19, 2020 7:40 AM NT | Last Updated: 18 minutes ago
As of 6:54 a.m., Newfoundland Power was reporting 3,315 customers were still in the dark. (Newfoundland Power)

Newfoundlanders are facing a full day of shovelling after Friday's record-setting blizzard, but there may be even more nasty weather to come.

Environment Canada has issued weather warnings and statements for much of the island, except for the west coast and northern peninsula.

A snowfall warning has been issued for central Newfoundland, calling for 15 centimetres, while another 10 centimetres is expected for eastern parts of the island.
Weather warnings and statements are in place for most of Newfoundland today. (Environment Canada)

The messy conditions could be worsened by a changeover to rain overnight in the St. John's area and wind gusting to 80 km/h.

While a state of emergency continues in St. John's, the city has listed some restrictions.

Private snow plow operators will be able to start snow clearing work immediately and gas stations will also be allowed to open "for the purposes of fuel for snow clearing."

Also, an exception has been made for pharmacies in St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise and Torbay. They are allowed to open between noon and 7 p.m. Sunday following an urgent request from Eastern Health.

"If you do not require medication, please do not leave your home," said a statement from the city of St. John's.

"If you must leave your home for medication please take your time, drive slowly, watch for snowplows and pedestrians."

Even with the easing of some restrictions, the city is still advising people to "stay in and off city streets."
The Battery area of St. John's was hit by an avalanche Friday night. This photo submitted by Neville Webb was taken on Friday before the storm shows the snow fences and chutes used to manage the snow. (Submitted by Neville Webb)

St. John's Mayor Danny Breen said while crews have had a lot of success and worked through the night, there's still a lot to be done. 

"There's a tremendous amount of snow on the ground," he told CBC News Network.
A look at the record-smashing blizzard in Newfoundland

    21 hours ago 1:16

The massive storm beat a 1999 snowfall record, shutting down whole portions of eastern Newfoundland. 1:16

Breen said a series of storms has had snow plow operators working steadily since Christmas Eve and said they are getting help from Corner Brook as well as other levels of government.

"We all work together and we'll get through it."

The province's English school district has proactively announced that all schools on the Avalon peninsula will be closed Monday. Several schools on the Bonavista Peninsula will also be closed.
Bob Cole gives a N.L. blizzard update on Hockey Night in Canada

    13 hours ago 1:46

Retired broadcaster Bob Cole returned to Hockey Night in Canada to provide an update on the blizzard that enveloped his home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. 1:46

Meanwhile, Memorial University has announced that all St. John's campuses will remain closed while the state of emergency remains in effect.

The university's vice president academic Noreen Golfman also encouraged all instructors to be flexible with course work.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/cleanup-messy-weather-newfoundland-1.5432469

[PaulMy]

‘This is nuts’: Newfoundland’s snowstorm in photos
https://globalnews.ca/news/6426547/st-johns-snowstorm-photos/

[PaulMy]

CANADA | News
Winter weather escalates across Canada as army sent to help Newfoundland
Cillian O'Brien
Cillian O'Brien
CTVNews.ca Writer
@cillian_obrien Contact
Published Saturday, January 18, 2020 10:32PM EST

TORONTO -- Winter weather has escalated across Canada as the federal government agreed to send help to Newfoundland following record-breaking snowfall.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball requested government help Saturday, including mobilizing the Canadian Armed Forces, to provide relief to areas of the province hit by the severe winter weather.

St. John’s experienced a record-breaking one-day snowfall of 76.2 centimetres, snapping a previous record of 68.4 centimetres from 1999.
Related Stories

    How cold is cold in Canada? Toronto alert for -12 C revives never-ending debate
    Ottawa sending help to Newfoundland following historic snowstorm
    Winter storm brings heavy snow, ice to U.S. Midwest, Northeast
    It may be snowing, but what makes a blizzard?

Related Links

    Environment Canada: Public Weather Alerts

Strong winds combined with the huge dumping of snow created drifts high enough to bury cars, while white-out conditions meant roads were congested and treacherous.

Minister of Natural Resources Seamus O'Regan confirmed the government was already working to deploy resources.

Here’s a look at how the rest of the country handled a weekend of dramatic winter weather.

ATLANTIC CANADA
Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada, snowfall warnings were in place for large parts of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia before easing to flurries Sunday night.

QUEBEC
Environment Canada has snowfall warnings in place for Montreal and surrounding areas, with 15 to 20 centimetres expected between Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

Skies are expected to clear in the morning with snow starting to fall as the clouds roll in. In addition, winds may reach between 20 km/h and 40 km/h putting the temperature near -25 C with the wind chill.

The snow should clear Sunday night with a cold and sunny Monday to start the week.

SOUTHERN ONTARIO
In Canada’s most populous region, the first major snowfall in southern Ontario has brought traffic to a crawl in Toronto and elsewhere with up to 20 centimetres of snow and howling winds causing white-out conditions.

Speaking at a news conference on Saturday, City of Toronto spokesperson Eric Holmes said that there are 1,500 workers prepared to respond to the city’s first snowstorm of the year.

A snowfall warning is in effect for the city and most of southern Ontario.

NORTHERN ONTARIO
Large parts of Northeastern Ontario are also under snowfall warnings, with winter storm warnings in place for Sault Ste. Marie and Killarney.

MANITOBA
A number of communities across southern Manitoba are under a winter storm warning from Environment Canada, including Steinbach, Emerson and Pilot Mount, while Winnipeg is under a snowfall warning.

A storm system is expected to bring 10 centimetres to 20 centimetres of snow to the city and other parts of southern Manitoba.

SASKATCHEWAN
In Saskatchewan, extreme cold warnings are in place for most of the south of the province, Fond-du-Lac, Stony Rapids and Black Lake.

ALBERTA
The Alberta Motor Association said it has received more than 55,000 calls for roadside assistance since January 12, more than six times the usual call volume.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old in Edmonton is recovering from frostbite after walking around outside without gloves for 45 minutes in -25 C weather.

BRITISH COLUMBIA
A winter storm warning is in effect for Fraser Valley in B.C. after it received another dumping of snow overnight. Skiers on the slopes in Whistler could see as much as 40 centimetres of snow.

Vancouver Island has heavy rain warnings in place with the possibility of localized flooding.Wind warnings are in effect for all of B.C.'s coast.

YUKON
A bitterly cold arctic ridge of high pressure remains entrenched over the Yukon, according to Environment Canada.

Extreme cold warnings are in place for much of the territory.

NUNAVUT
Blizzard warnings are also in place for parts of Nunavut.

Winds gusting into the 60 to 80 km/h range have developed over central Kivalliq and will spread south eastwards into the Arviat region Saturday evening, Environment Canada said.

These conditions will likely persist into Sunday with improvement occurring Sunday night.

Not laughing anymore. The snow is piled up so hard against my door the doorbell actually just rang. Okay, I'm laughing a little at that.

[PaulMy]

Yesterday's hot and cold spots ...

Hot spot in Newfoundland and Labrador: 2.4 °C        36.3 °F St. John's West AAFC

Cold spot in Newfoundland and Labrador: -33.5 °C  -28.3 °F Churchill Falls

Hot spot in Canada: 12.6 °C                                      54.7 °F West Vancouver, BC

Cold spot in Canada: -42.7 °C                                  -44.9 °F Old Crow, YT

[Mark]

Up to 200 Canadian troops have been sent to the Atlantic province of Newfoundland and Labrador to help it dig out from a massive blizzard, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan has said.

The armed forces will also provide two transport planes and at least two helicopters. The record-breaking storm dumped up to 76cm (30 inches) of snow on St John's, the capital of Newfoundland on Friday and packed wind gusts as high as 130 kilometres per hour (81 miles/h).

The new record snowfall was set at St John's International Airport, beating the previous daily record of 68.4cm (27 inches) set in 1999. The records go back to 1942.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/dig-blizzard-hits-eastern-canada-200120095645856.html

[PaulMy]

Severe weather in Canada cost $1.3 billion in insured damages in 2019: IBC
By Maham Abedi Global News
Posted January 22, 2020 7:00 am
WATCH: Climate change — Why aren't people taking more action to stop it?

Severe weather in Canada — rain, snow, flooding and windstorms — cost $1.3 billion in insured damages last year.

The costs, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, made 2019 the seventh most costly year on record.

READ MORE: Canada is the only G7 country without a national flood forecasting system. Experts say there’s a cost to that

But unlike other high-ranking years, the report noted insurers experienced damages from a range of severe weather events from coast to coast, rather than one major event.

The highest loss year on record, for example, was 2016, driven by the Fort McMurray wildfires in Alberta. The total cost for that year was $5.261 billion.

The second-highest year, largely due to flooding in the Greater Toronto Area and Alberta, was 2013 and saw costs of $3.4 billion.
2:09 Pallister says public safety, flood protection for Manitoba discussed with Trudeau
Pallister says public safety, flood protection for Manitoba discussed with Trudeau

Other high-ranking years included severe weather events such as 1998’s Quebec ice storm and 2018’s rain and windstorms in Ontario and Quebec.
Story continues below advertisement

In 2019, winter storms in Ontario and Eastern Canada were the most common reasons for insured damages.

The most costly event, however, was an October storm in Eastern Canada that led to damages of $250 million.


https://globalnews.ca/news/6441170/canada-severe-weather-costs-2019/


Out for a walk at Setting Lake Manitoba. Photo by Patrick Moore.

[PaulMy]

Beware of falling iguanas! Alberta warmer than this vacation destination
Caroline Floyd
Meteorologist

Wednesday, January 22nd 2020, 6:00 am - The National Weather Service has issued an unusual warning for Florida.

Looking for a warm vacation destination? You might want to consider Alberta over Florida this week.

It all comes down to the winds. While Alberta has been caught in the deep freeze for the past few weeks, Arctic high pressure has finally retreated and now moist, Pacific air is streaming over the Rockies. That sets the stage for downsloping Chinook winds -- synonymous with strong gusts and rapidly climbing temperatures, especially for southwestern Alberta.

Those prevailing west winds have given early morning temperatures a boost for southern Alberta on Wednesday, with spots like Lethbridge only dipping to 1ºC.

AB wed morn temps

The winds aren't doing any favours for Florida, however. Strong flow from the north is flooding the peninsula with cold, dry air -- the type of air that generally only makes it into the state once or twice a year.

This wintry blast is so potent, wind chill advisories extend as far south as Miami, where it felt close to the freezing mark on Wednesday morning.
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/beware-of-falling-iguanas-alberta-to-be-warmer-than-southern-us-on-wednesday-morning

Sunrise in Whytewold. Photo by Peter Stoycheff.Sunset in Headingley. Photo by Patrick McKeag