A relentless winter storm is gripping the Canadian Prairies, unleashing blizzard conditions across Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The system, a powerful force of nature, is currently sweeping through southern regions, bringing with it a dangerous combination of heavy snow and ferocious winds.
While the worst of the blowing snow and gusts are expected to subside later today, the immediate impact has been severe. Further east, the storm’s reach extends into north-central Ontario and Quebec, where forecasts predict up to 30 centimetres of fresh snowfall.
But the cold isn’t limited to snowfall. Across northern Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario, an Arctic airmass is plunging temperatures to bone-chilling levels. Wind chill factors are pushing the mercury down to a staggering -45 to -50 degrees Celsius – a truly dangerous threshold.
The storm’s initial fury was felt acutely in Alberta on Wednesday. Regional police were overwhelmed with calls reporting dozens of weather-related collisions as icy conditions made travel treacherous.
One stretch of highway became a scene of chaos. A massive pile-up involving 80 to 100 vehicles brought traffic on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway between Calgary and Airdrie to a complete standstill for hours, highlighting the storm’s potential for widespread disruption.
The combination of extreme cold and hazardous travel conditions demands caution and preparedness. Residents are urged to heed warnings and avoid unnecessary travel as the storm continues its path across the country.
