Severe Winter Weather Disrupts Travel Across Canada

Canada is facing extreme winter weather, with heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and dangerous cold affecting travel and daily life. From Ontario to the Maritimes, road conditions are hazardous, flights are delayed, and authorities urge residents to stay home when possible.

*Numerous flights were canceled or delayed Sunday morning at Toronto Pearson International Airport due to heavy snowfall. (Photo via Toronto Pearson/X)*

Ontario and Quebec Hit by Major Snowstorm

Environment Canada has issued winter storm warnings across eastern Ontario and western Quebec. Southern Ontario is expecting 15 to 25 centimeters of snow, while eastern Ontario and western Quebec could see 25 to 40 centimeters.

Ontario Roads and Flights Impacted

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported multiple accidents due to worsening visibility. Officers responded to a single-vehicle rollover on Highway 401 east of Kingston, with no injuries reported. Since early Sunday, OPP handled 37 collisions in Ottawa alone.

Toronto faces worsening travel conditions, with Environment Canada warning that roads and sidewalks could become dangerous. Several dozen flights at Toronto Pearson International Airport were canceled or delayed, as over 12 centimeters of snow accumulated by 8 a.m. Sunday. More snowfall is expected throughout the day. Ottawa’s Macdonald-Cartier International Airport also saw multiple cancellations, with crews working to keep runways safe.

*Pedestrians make their way through snowy streets during a storm in Toronto on Sunday. (Photo via Jérémie Bergeron/Radio-Canada)*

Quebec Braces for Heavy Snow

Snowfall began in Quebec on Saturday evening, intensifying Sunday morning. Montreal and Quebec City expect 25 to 40 centimeters, while areas east of these cities could see 30 to 50 centimeters. Environment Canada warns that accumulating snow and blowing winds will make travel hazardous. Transport Quebec advises avoiding non-essential travel as road conditions worsen.

Airports in Montreal and Quebec City reported about 150 flight cancellations, with most occurring at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. Domestic flights were the most affected.

Maritimes Face Power Outages and Hazardous Travel

The storm system is also hitting the Maritimes with strong winds, snow, and freezing rain. Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) meteorologist Jay Scotland warns that power outages are a major concern. Western P.E.I. could see 10 to 20 centimeters of snow and ice pellets overnight.

Environment Canada issued weather warnings for all three of P.E.I.’s counties, with hazardous conditions expected into Monday. New Brunswick’s northern half could receive 20 to 40 centimeters of snow, while the southern region anticipates five to 15 centimeters of snow and ice. Nova Scotia will see five to 10 centimeters, with Cape Breton receiving the heaviest amounts.

Prairies Experience Extreme Cold

Western Canada is dealing with extreme cold, with temperatures plummeting between -30°C and -50°C. Environment Canada issued warnings for most of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Calgary will face the worst of the cold on Sunday and Monday, with frigid temperatures persisting into the week.

Authorities Urge Caution

Officials across Canada recommend staying home if possible, avoiding unnecessary travel, and preparing for potential power outages. The severe winter weather continues to impact transportation, with conditions expected to remain challenging in the coming days.

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