Severe winter weather
Freezing rain, ice pellets, snow squalls, white-outs, heavy snow, and high winds can cause extensive delays and inconvenience your daily schedule, but they can also cause damage, power outages and even life-threatening conditions. Take the time to know what to watch for, and what to do if there is a weather watch or warning issued for where you live or where you are travelling to.
On this page
Tips on preparing for severe winter weather
- Don’t wait for a storm to hit. Most winter storm systems are forecast well in advance. Begin preparing ahead of time and you’ll be able to react quickly when a storm arrives. Assemble a Home Emergency Survival Kit and have it stocked and in a place where you can easily access it.
- Pay close attention to the weather. Some types of nasty winter weather, like snowsqualls, can develop very quickly with little warning. Be sure to regularly check weather conditions on media outlets, smartphone apps, the internet, or visit www.theweathernetwork.com.
- Travel safely. Give your car a winter tune-up in mid-autumn and have your snow tires installed early in fall. Assemble a car emergency kit including basic items like high-energy snacks, a flashlight or road hazard light, new batteries, a blanket, and warm gel packs.
- Work and play safe. Winter storms and high wind chills can be hazardous to you, your employees, your children, and your pets. Be aware of conditions worsening and always dress to suit the weather - wear a hat and thin layers of loose clothing with water-repellent and wind-resistant outer layers. Watch carefully for symptoms indicating hypothermia: shivering, confusion and loss of muscle control. Frostbite can occur in minutes; watch for numbness or whiteness on ears, nose, fingers and toes.
- Respect travel advisories and road closure notices. If local emergency responders are advising you to stay inside and not travel, do that. Take cover inside and stay there until the storm has subsided and the danger has passed. Keep your vehicles off the roadways to allow emergency responders and snow removal crews better access.
- Remember that after-storm conditions can pose hazards too. Downed tree limbs and power lines can be dangerous. Be extremely cautious if you tackle tree removal yourself.
Storm preparedness tips
- Have a 72 hour emergency kit including food and water.
- Make sure vehicles, generators, snow blowers, tractors, and other equipment are fueled and ready.
- Have snow shovels, salt, sand, and ice-melter you may need.
- If you use propane or furnace oil to heat your home, make sure tanks are filled up.
- Have a vehicle emergency kit.
- Make sure you have all of the supplies you need for your business, animals, livestock, or farm operation.
- Have a way of powering and charging your cell phone should the power go out.
- Check on seniors and other vulnerable people in your family or neighbourhood to make sure they know a storm is coming and they have what they need for a couple of days.
Winter watches and warnings
The best safety precaution to take during severe winter weather conditions is to avoid traveling at all. However, if you must travel, be aware and prepared. Listen to Environment Canada’s weather forecasts and the various watch and warning bulletins before you decide whether it is safe to travel. Also, make sure to check the forecast to see what is happening, both enroute and at your planned destination when you are scheduled to arrive.
A Watch is issued by Environment Canada as a heads-up that severe and possibly dangerous weather conditions are expected soon. For example, a Winter Storm Watch is usually issued 18 to 36 hours in advance of the approaching bad weather. You should watch the skies and monitor local radio/television broadcasts or the Environment Canada website for new developments. Environment Canada will either end the Winter Storm Watch or upgrade it to a Winter Weather Warning, depending on the conditions.
A Warning is issued by Environment Canada when a combination of hazardous winter conditions are occurring or expected to develop no more than 3 to 18 hours in advance of the expected severe weather. You should continue to watch the skies and monitor local radio/television broadcasts or the Environment Canada weather website for new developments.
Wind Chill
Issued when wind combined with very cold temperatures create outdoor conditions hazardous to human activity.
Winter Storm
When conditions are favourable for the development of severe winter weather such as: a heavy snowfall, or a notable snowfall combined with strong winds and/or freezing rain.
Snowfall
Issued when 15cm or more of snow is expected to fall within 12 hours or less.
Snow Squall
When wind conditions over warmer open water are favourable for off-the-lake squall conditions. These alerts are issued when there is a combination of heavy snowfalls, strong winds, and reduced visibilities to the lee of the Great Lakes. Squalls are a dangerous condition that can mean sudden changes of visibility and road conditions with little warning.
Blizzard
Blizzard Warnings are issued when a combination of cold strong winds and blowing snow will cause widespread poor visibilities for 4 hours or more.
Freezing Rain
When freezing rain is expected to pose a hazard to transportation or property or when freezing rain is expected for two hours or more.
