Eastern Canada braces for severe winter storm

Eastern Canada braces for a severe winter storm system bringing freezing rain, heavy snow, and strong winds starting late Saturday and continuing through Monday, according to Environment Canada forecasts. The weather event, driven by a rapidly intensifying low-pressure system tracking across the Great Lakes, threatens widespread disruptions from Ontario to Newfoundland and Labrador, with similar conditions extending to parts of Quebec and the Maritimes.

In Ontario, most regions face a mix of precipitation types. Freezing rain is expected to begin Sunday evening in areas like Ottawa, where 10 to 15 millimetres of accumulation could lead to icy surfaces. North of Toronto, including Newmarket, Aurora, and Uxbridge, five to 10 millimetres of ice buildup is forecast, potentially causing slick roads, hazardous sidewalks, and power outages as temperatures hover near freezing. East of Toronto, communities such as Cobourg and Colborne are under similar advisories. Meanwhile, snowfall watches cover areas around Lake Superior, including Sault Ste. Marie, and northern spots like Timmins, where up to 60 centimetres of snow could fall. A special weather statement applies to parts of...