SnowStorms The Blizzard of 1977 was one of the most severe winter storms in Southern Ontario’s history. Between January 28 and 31, powerful winds created widespread whiteout conditions and massive snowdrifts across the Niagara Peninsula, isolating communities, stranding thousands of motorists, and bringing transportation to a standstill.
The January 1998 North American Ice Storm was one of the most destructive winter storms in Canadian history. From January 4–10, 1998, prolonged freezing rain coated parts of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States in thick layers of ice, causing widespread power outages, infrastructure damage, and billions of dollars in losses. Millions of people were affected, with some communities left without electricity for weeks. This article explores the storm’s causes, timeline, impacts, emergency response, and lasting legacy.
What Is a Winter Storm Watch? A Winter Storm Watch means conditions are favourable for a significant winter storm to develop within the next 48 hours. While the storm is not certain to occur, there is enough potential for hazardous winter weather that people should begin preparing. A Winter Storm Watch may be issued when … Read more
What Is a Tornado Watch? A Tornado Watch means conditions are favourable for the development of tornadoes in or near the watch area. While a tornado has not been confirmed, the atmosphere is capable of producing one, often alongside severe thunderstorms. A Tornado Watch gives people time to prepare, review their emergency plan, and monitor … Read more
What Is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch? A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms in or near the watch area. While severe weather has not yet been confirmed, storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall, or tornadoes may develop. A watch is issued to give people … Read more
What Is a Hurricane Watch? A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. It is issued when a tropical cyclone could bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, and dangerous coastal conditions to an area. A Hurricane Watch is not a confirmation that a hurricane will strike. Instead, it gives … Read more
An orange snowfall warning means that a significant snowfall event is expected or already occurring, with the potential to cause substantial disruptions and dangerous conditions. If an orange snowfall warning has been issued for your area, you should be prepared for difficult travel, heavy snow accumulation and possible disruptions to transportation and daily activities. Orange … Read more
An orange blizzard warning in Canada means severe blizzard conditions are likely to cause significant impacts that may be major, widespread or prolonged. Strong winds and blowing snow can severely reduce visibility, create dangerous travel conditions and cause major transportation disruptions. Orange is the middle level in Canada’s colour-coded weather alert system and indicates a … Read more
An orange freezing rain warning in Canada means freezing rain is expected to cause significant impacts that may be major, widespread or prolonged. Significant ice accumulation can create dangerous travel conditions, damage trees and power lines, cause power outages and disrupt transportation and daily activities. Orange is the highest warning level for freezing rain in … Read more
An orange wind warning in Canada means strong winds are likely to cause significant impacts that may be major, widespread or prolonged. Potential conditions can include fallen trees, power outages, property damage and dangerous driving conditions. The severity of the impacts depends on wind speed, duration, location and local conditions. This guide explains what an … Read more