Thursday, January 08, 2009

Storm wrap-up

The winter storm that moved across Ontario and Quebec yesterday was responsible for hundreds of accidents, with most, according to the OPP and SQ, caused by driver error and not the weather. Speed and poor tires were the main culprit. Snowfall was impressive with 21cm at Kemptville, 18cm at Ottawa and 24cm in Montreal. This morning flurries and gusty winds causing blowing snow continue across the area with snow covered and slippery roads in most cases. The skies should clear later today, but it will be cold. The cold weather is with us for the foreseeable future. Another storm will pass just south of us on Saturday and may just brush the region with some light snow and gusty winds. Afterwards yet another low will cross the Great Lakes on Monday with some light snow. Behind this system will be the coldest air thus far this winter with lows in the -20's and highs in the minus teens.
Out west the years worth of snow that fell in December in B.C. and Washington State (photo above) is beginning to melt all at once. To add to the misery is heavy rain, in some cases in excess of 200mm. The flooding has washed out roads, caused mudslides and even avalanches. Numerous roads are closed including Interstate 5 and the Sea to Sky Highway. Homes are also being flooded in may regions.


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