This major Canadian transportation route is under a blizzard warning
Two weeks before the official start of summer, blizzard warnings are still being issued. Not only that, there are flood warnings and lightning in other pockets of the same region. Gives new meaning to "We the North".
The official start to summer may be around the corner, but wintry weather is sticking around. While most parts of the country are experiencing rain and cool temperatures, one region is under a blizzard warning.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a blizzard warning for parts of northern Yukon.
A cold front has brought an onset of snow and strong winds. The blizzard will impact areas along one of the major connection routes in the country — the Dempster Highway, particularly near the Richardson Mountains.
Winds of 70 km/h and an estimated 10 to 15 cm of snow is forecast through Wednesday. Those travelling should exercise caution as the combination of blowing snow and strong winds could mean near zero visibility at times.
Southern portions of the Dempster Highway aren’t expected to be impacted by blizzard conditions, but there is a risk of freezing rain in the early hours, reports ECCC.
Interestingly, less than 300 km to the east of Dawson City, lightning was detected. To the south along the Pelly River, the community of Ross River is dealing with flooding.
Blizzard, lightning, and flooding, all in one territory!
RELATED: Yukon issues flood warning for Pelly River at Ross River
And just the next territory over to the east, the national hotspot is likely expected today. Yellowknife is forecast to hit 25 degrees.
Canada's very first snowfall warning of the season was issued for the exact same area back in September, followed later in the day by a blizzard warning for the Dempster Highway.
The Dempster Highway connects the Klondike Highway in Yukon to Inuvik, Northwest Territories, on the Mackenzie River delta.
For a more detailed look at this forecast, watch the video that leads this article with meteorologist Nadine Hinds-Powell.