Residents of Eastern Canada brace themselves for yet another major winter storm, as Environment Canada has issued urgent winter storm warnings across multiple provinces. Starting Saturday, February 15, the storm is predicted to bring heavy snowfall, with accumulations ranging anywhere from 25 to 40 centimeters, reaching its peak on Sunday.
The storm system will affect areas from southwestern Ontario all the way to Montreal, making travel hazardous as snow begins to fall. Environment Canada’s warning emphasizes the risk of low visibility and difficult travel conditions due to rapidly accumulating snow. "Conditions will rapidly deteriorate Sunday morning as significant areas of snow and blowing snow arrive," the agency said.
The timeframe for this storm spans from Saturday afternoon, with precipitation expected to begin as either snow or freezing rain, continuing through Monday with high wind gusts which could exacerbate the blowing snow and visibility problems. For many areas, expectations of snow rates may peak at three to six centimeters per hour, leading to severe disruptions for travelers. Environment Canada has advised against non-essential travel and warned, "Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations, with visibility suddenly reduced to near zero at times."
Detailed preparations are underway by local municipal services to manage snow-clearing operations throughout the duration of the storm. Starting Saturday, 12:00 PM, maintenance will be concentrated on main roads and select sidewalks, with full plow operations commencing at midnight. More extensive clearing efforts will continue through Sunday.
For places such as Ottawa, the warnings come directly after recent heavy snows, compounding snow totals to which the city is still recovering. According to forecasts, Ottawa should see snowfall totaling up to 30 centimeters on Sunday alone, with snow expected to fall at similarly intense rates of six centimeters per hour at times. "Residents are advised to avoid travel if possible to mitigate the risk of accidents on slippery roads,” officials stated.
Similar alerts have prompted widespread caution across the Belleville and Quinte West regions, where the public has been advised to prepare for high-impact weather. Local authorities are predicting snow totals between 25 to 40 cm, with hazardous travel conditions anticipated not only from snow accumulation but also from increased wind gusts. "Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve," advised Public Safety Canada.
Residents are urged to make plans for adverse conditions, such as assembling emergency kits containing drinking water, food, necessary medications, first-aid supplies, and flashlights. The emphasis on being prepared reflects the severe impact this winter storm could have on daily activities and emergency services.
Montreal is also gearing up, with forecasts indicating significant snowfall from the incoming storm expected to begin early Sunday morning and extend through to Monday. "A strengthening low-pressure system is moving toward Quebec, bringing heavy snowfall and potential blizzard conditions," noted Environment Canada. These developments are drawing attention as the region recently dealt with heavy snowfall, and now faces another round of extreme weather.
This week’s weather has already seen Montreal residents grapple with the accumulating snow, significantly affecting transportation services. The city is advising motorists to stay off the roads over the weekend. By this week alone, Montreal recorded one of its most substantial snowfall incidents of 2025, which followed the original forecasts.
Considering the impact of these winter conditions on urban infrastructures, local governments and agencies are striving to stay proactive. Toronto, which has already experienced substantial snowfall with measures like readying public transportation and issuing weather advisories, has also made preparations for the weekend storm. Ontario’s cities are actively engaged with their winter response protocols to combat the challenges presented with snow management, maintaining city safety, and supporting transit systems.
With all these alerts and preparations colliding this weekend, it remains important for citizens across Eastern Canada to keep informed. Continuous monitoring of weather updates and alerts issued by Environment Canada will be key as this major winter storm approaches, severely affecting local conditions. Experts recommend staying indoors and only making travel plans necessary to avoid danger.