Environment Canada issues warnings for snow and freezing rain

Environment Canada issued Weather warnings in four provinces about freezing rain, poor air quality and heavy snowfall.

A slow-moving low in Colorado will bring 25 to 50 centimeters of snow to Thunder Bay, Ontario, on Tuesday, according to CTV Your Morning meteorologist Kelsey McEwen. The maximum snowfall rate could reach two to three centimeters per hour, potentially setting a single-day snowfall record, before tapering off Tuesday evening.

Environment Canada’s winter storm warning also includes a risk of brief freezing rain or ice pellets Tuesday afternoon and evening for areas near Lake Superior.

“Surfaces such as highways, streets, sidewalks and parking lots may be difficult to navigate due to snow accumulation,” Environment Canada warns. “Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.”

Other parts of northern and northwestern Ontario could see more freezing rain, heavy but smaller amounts of snow, or up to 40 millimeters of rain.

Large parts of New Brunswick and eastern Quebec are also under a freezing rain warning, including much of the Cote-Nord and Gaspé Peninsula. Up to 15 millimeters of ice is expected in some areas from Tuesday night into Wednesday afternoon, resulting in hazardous road conditions.

“Freezing rain warnings are issued when rain causes ice formation and icy surfaces in sub-zero temperatures,” explains Environment Canada. “Be careful of tree branches or electrical wires that could break under the weight of the ice.”

Meanwhile, areas of central British Columbia, including Prince George, are under lockdown due to high levels of dust in the air following record-breaking temperatures over the weekend. Conditions are expected to continue until the rain begins.

“Staying indoors helps reduce exposure,” Environment Canada advised. “Exposure to air pollution is a health problem, particularly for people with heart or respiratory problems, diabetics, children and the elderly.”