Power outages grow in Ontario as winds and snow make for hazardous travel
A powerful cold front will push strong winds and bursts of heavy snow across Ontario on Monday, prompting widespread warnings for dangerous travel and potential power outages. Drivers urged to postpone non-essential travel, and ensure devices are fully charged
Blizzard warnings, wind warnings, and special weather statements crisscross Ontario to kick off this new work week, as a powerful and dynamic system impacts much of the province.
Expect dangerous driving conditions on Monday as a strong cold front is bringing high winds and bursts of snow across the region.
"Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in a blizzard warning issued for parts of northern Ontario. "If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone."
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There are also a growing number of power outages. Hydro One reported more than 19,000 customers are currently in the dark as of Monday afternoon. The latest outages can be found, here.
At 12 p.m. local time, the Ontario Provincial Police reported a series of road closures in Grey Bruce, including Highway 6 between Bruce Road 9 and Tobermory, Bruce Road 9 between Scenic Caves Road and Ferndale Road, Bruce Road 9 between West Road and Lions Head, and West Road between Summer Ave and Bruce Road 9. Updates on road closures can be found on 511on.ca.
Stay up-to-date with the latest weather alerts in your area, and be sure to monitor road conditions throughout the region as this hazardous system gets underway.
Dangerous blizzard conditions and near impossible travel
A very deep area of lower pressure swirling across Hudson Bay and its associated cold front is delivering an extra punch as it sweeps through Ontario.
Pockets of heavy, blowing snow with reduced visibility are encompassing a wide swath of northern Ontario, and will continue to spread across northeastern Ontario through the afternoon hours on Monday.
A blizzard warning is in effect for the eastern shores of Lake Superior, including the communities of Wawa and Batchawana Bay. A blizzard warning is also in effect for the eastern shores of Georgian Bay, including Parry Sound. These locations are likely to see lake-enhanced snowfall with whiteout conditions likely during periods of high winds. In some areas, snowfall rates could reach 1-2 cm and hour.
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Snow squalls along the cold front are likely to push into southern Ontario into Monday evening. The dangerous combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds could catch commuters and drivers off guard throughout the region. Use caution if you're commuting in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Damaging winds and threat for power outages
Ahead of the snow, the winds alone will present a formidable hazard, as the strong pressure gradient and cold front drives gusts up throughout the day.
Sustained winds Monday will climb to near 60 km/h along Georgian Bay, and up to 70 km/h across southern Prince Edward County. These areas could see wind gusts reach 100 km/h at times.
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Gusts could range from 70-90+ km/h across the Niagara Peninsula and into eastern Ontario during the evening commute home.
Other regions of strong wind gusts include Hamilton, Dunnville, Guelph, Halton Hills, Kingston, Mount Forest, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Owen Sound. Widespread gusts between 60-80+ km/h are likely.
Localized power outages are possible, as well as tree damage and travel trouble, especially for transport trucks and over bridges. Road closures are possible as the winds ramp up.
Temperatures behind the cold front will quickly fall well into the minus teens across the region. For folks around Georgian Bay, temperatures of 0°C at midnight Tuesday will tumble to below -15°C in a just a matter of six hours.
Ice shoves possible along Lake Erie
Another hazard we’ll need to watch is the potential for ice shoves.
Given the ample ice coverage on Lake Erie, there’s a particular concern that strong winds and waves will push sheets of ice inland. Warmer temperatures on Monday can temporarily weaken the ice, making it more prone to movement.
Ice shoves can move surprisingly fast, so folks should exercise extra caution along shoreline areas as the ice sheets may climb over each other and push inland, creating towering piles of ice.
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Be sure to check back for the latest forecast updates across Ontario.