Blizzard / Snowstorm

Blizzard / snowstorm messages

There are several different types of watches and warnings that Environment Canada issues for snowstorms and blizzards.

Snowsquall watch: When conditions are favourable for the development of brief periods of very poor visibilities caused by heavy snow and blowing snow. Or, when conditions are favourable for the development of open water snow squall down wind of large bodies of water, like the Great Lakes, with one or more of the following conditions:

Localized, intense snowfall producing snowfall amounts of 15 centimetres or more in 12 hours or less
Reduced visibility (less than 400 metres) caused by heavy snow with or without blowing snow for three hours or more

Snowsquall warning: When there's a brief period (less than one hour) of very poor visibility (400 metres or less), caused by heavy snow and blowing snow, and accompanied by strong, gusty winds of 45 kilometres per hour or greater, is expected to occur with the passage of a cold front. Or, when, down wind of large bodies of water, like the Great Lakes, snow squalls are imminent or occurring with one or more of the following conditions being produced:

Localized, intense snowfall producing snowfall amounts of 15 centimetres or more in 12 hours or less
Reduced visibility (less than 400 metres) caused by heavy snow with or without blowing snow for three hours or more
Local snow accumulation may be significant

Blowing snow advisory: When blowing snow, caused by winds of at least 30 kilometres per hour, is expected to reduce visibility to 800 metres or less for at least three hours
Snowfall warning: When 15 centimetres or more of snow falls within 12 hours or less
Blizzard warning: When winds of 40 kilometres per hour or greater are expected to cause widespread reductions in visibility to 400 metres or less, due to blowing snow, or blowing snow in combination with falling snow, for at least four hours

Blizzards and winter storms may often be forecasted several days in advance. Plan ahead and ensure you're prepared.
Check that your emergency kit is ready and stocked appropriately for the potential event and the season
Secure everything that might be blown around or torn loose indoors and outdoors
Secure loose objects such as garbage cans which can injure people and damage property if they become airborne
Ensure you have adequate and appropriate supplies for the storm, including shovels and safety salt
Plan ahead and avoid travel in potential storm events
Keep pets indoors

Be aware that you can become quickly disoriented and may get frostbite and hypothermia. Know the symptoms.
Dress for the weather. Wear a hooded jacket, multiple layers, hat, mittens and warm footwear even if you don't intend to be outside for long.
Don't try to walk to another building in low visibility without something to guide you
If at all possible, avoid driving in storm events and ensure your vehicle is properly maintained and equipped, including an emergency kit.

If it's safe to do so, it's always best to stay in your vehicle
Alert emergency services
Allow fresh air in your car by opening the window slightly on the sheltered side, away from the wind
If you run the car engine, you are reminded to limit it to approximately 10 minutes every half-hour. Check the exhaust pipe periodically to make sure it's not blocked. Remember, you can't smell potentially fatal carbon monoxide fumes.
The candle and metal container from your emergency kit will warm a vehicle interior adequately. When using the candle, remember that the window does need to be slightly open. Please ensure fire safety precautions are used.
To keep your hands and feet warm, exercise them periodically (by moving around in the car). In general, it's a good idea to keep moving to avoid falling asleep.
If you do try to shovel the snow from around your car, avoid overexerting yourself. Overexertion in the bitter cold can cause death as a result of hypothermia from sweating or a heart attack.