Blizzards - I am Canadian!

Ah, Canadian weather! We get it all here: rain, snow, sunshine... sometimes all on the same day. At bus stops, coffee shops, over fences, and in elevators, a comment about typical Canadian weather always brings a smile —although it may be a rueful one.

We may smile at the daily fare, but our most severe winter weather is no laughing matter. Storms and excessive cold claim over 100 lives every year in Canada. Blizzards pose the greatest threat of any Canadian weather phenomenon.

Blizzards are winter storms that come roaring in on a wave of cold Arctic air, bringing blowing snow, low temperatures, and strong winds. While they are most common in the northern Yukon, southern prairies, Atlantic Canada and Nunavut, no region of Canada is completely immune. Across the country, Environment Canada uses different parameters to report and predict severe winter weather, using criteria that are relevant to each region. In short, the definition of a blizzard is based on conditions which will be severe compared to more "normal" winter weather.

What makes blizzards so hazardous is the limited visibility (less than one kilometre in blowing or drifting snow). It doesn't even have to snow to be a blizzard. In fact some of our worst blizzards occurred with very little new snow - just old snow pushed around.

This year, our friends in the Atlantic provinces are certainly getting their share of the white stuff. Newfoundland is reporting record snow falls. The latest blast on February 6 brings the total snowfall since December 1, 2000 close to the 400 centimetre mark.

On the west coast, Vancouver and Victoria each have an average annual snowfall amount of less than 60 cm. In 1996, an unusual storm dumped a record one-day snowfall of 41 cm on Vancouver and 64 cm at Victoria. Transportation ground to a near-standstill. Ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency services had trouble accessing people in need. Radio stations made urgent requests for the cities' few snowmobile owners to assist in getting people to emergency services. Canadian Forces soldiers lent some much needed "elbow grease" to help clear roads and rescue hundreds of stranded motorists.

In today's connected world, a blizzard in one location can have far-reaching consequences. In January 1999, a blizzard struck Toronto, delivering mountains of snow and accompanied by high winds. During this busy Christmas travel period, traffic at Lester B. Pearson International Airport often peaks at 84 aircraft landings or takeoffs per hour. However, the storm virtually shut down Canada's busiest airport as flights were grounded. Although safety was an issue, de-icing capability and lack of passengers and crew had an equally profound effect. Nearby hotels were full, roads were closed by blowing and accumulated snow, and thousands of travellers spent days in the airport waiting out the storm. The blizzard drove the city's snow removal bill for the month up to a whopping $38 million.

Winter weather can create unexpected problems. Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, has passed a bylaw preventing people from leaving keys in the ignition of a running car. The cold weather tempted people to leave their cars running during short stops - but the practice was also tempting to thieves, who helped themselves to 35 such vehicles in a single week in January 1998.

Some people simply refuse to back down to cold weather. In central Newfoundland, a man was spotted standing on a ladder trying to shovel out his buried car after a blizzard deposited 38 cm of snow on March 9, 1988. In Cornwall, Ontario, citizens received a certificate dubbing them "Champions of the Big Blow" if they made it to work during a blizzard on March 4,1971. The storm left 53 cm of snow in 30 hours, with as many as 500 tractor-trailers marooned on Highway 401 with snow up to the tops of their cabs.

No matter how accustomed Canadians are to winter weather, blizzards are no time to be a "road warrior". When a storm strikes, stay indoors. Pets also need to stay sheltered and be given enough food and water.

If you must go outside, dress appropriately. Wear layers of clothing and be sure your head, hands and feet are well protected from cold. It is easy to lose your way in blowing snow, even in broad daylight. Stay near to buildings and fences and don't try to cross open fields or empty land. For rural dwellers who must venture out in these conditions to feed livestock, tie one end of a long rope to your house, and grasp the other end as you walk.

If you experience signs of hypothermia, such as confusion, slurred speech, stiff muscles, or uncontrollable shivering, get medical assistance immediately.

The best way to deal with blizzards is to listen to Environment Canada forecasts and be prepared. Winter storms can last for hours or even days and, at their worst, they can block roads and disrupt utilities. Environment Canada suggests maintaining a good supply of heating fuel and ready-to-eat food. Always keep an adequate supply of prescription drugs at home, as well as batteries for flashlights and portable radios.

The most reliable sources for the latest weather conditions and information are Environment Canada's Weatheradio, a 24 hour/day dedicated radio frequency, Environment Canada's Automated Telephone Answering Service and Environment Canada's Current conditions and local forecast information on the Green Lane, also available 24 hours/day. Listen to your radio or watch the Weather Channel for updates on the storm and advice on what to do. Be alert for fire hazards due to overheated stoves, fireplaces, heaters or furnaces. When the storm has passed, be careful not to overexert yourself shovelling away the snow. On a driveway measuring 15 metres by four metres, 40 cm of heavy, wet snow weighs 12 tonnes.

Blizzards can be dangerous but being prepared, knowing the weather forecast and making informed decisions can help you stay safe in most weather conditions.

Print Version

E-mail This Story To A Friend