Orange alert for blizzard conditions ended

JAN 20: The “orange” alert for blizzard conditions ended early Tuesday morning and for now, the sun is out. Environment Canada now calls for flurries with a risk of snow squalls and local blowing snow – amounting to 5 to 10 cm. Wind gusting to 60 km/h.  Wind chill is -17 this morning and to b -22 this aftern0on and for this evening.

JAN 19: Snow squalls are expected to continue this afternoon and into the evening with blizzard conditions rated at the “orange” level with near zero visibility at times.

Wind gusts to 80 km/h are swirling snow as the temperature remains at about -6 with a wind chill near -17. Local snowfall amount expected to be 15 to 25 cm with 40 cm possible in some areas.

Schools were closed today in Prince Edward County and many businesses closed early and events have been cancelled.

Environment Canada forecasts the blizzard ending overnight but the risk of snow squalls remains.

Tuesday’s forecast calls for flurries with a risk of snow squalls and local blowing snow. Local snowfall amount estimated at 10 to 15 cm. Wind gusting to 50 km/h. High minus 7. Wind chill -22 in the morning and -16 in the afternoon.

In the new colour-code system the more uncommon “orange” alerts mean severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts are major, widespread and may last a few days.

Nearby Belleville, Brighton and Quinte West are in the more common “yellow” alerts which indicate hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts are moderate, localized or short-term.

The final alert is the rare “red” for “very dangerous, possibly life-threatening weather”.