The hill at the Kemptville Mall has reached epic proportions...ValleyWX Photo

The same storm that hit Ontario and Quebec hammered western Europe with hurricane force winds Monday. This ship washed ashore in France. AP Photo

A much needed break...

It is still snowing...but lightly. Just a couple of inches this morning across the region. Winds are picking up behind a cold front this afternoon and some blowing snow is occurring. Expect clear skies tonight and then a few more centimetres along a warm front Thursday afternoon. No major storms for the remainder of this week. Milder air is expected on Friday and Saturday, up to 5C which will begin to raise concerns about roofs and flooding.

This past weekends Blizzard continues to claim victims. Here are a few headlines from this week, including today's collapses of a roof in Morin Heights Quebec, trapping three people inside (see below from CTV.ca).

From AM 1220 Cornwall...

City Officials Concerned About Roofs Due To Snow
March 12, 2008 — The recent dump of snow has officials in Cornwall concerned about area roofs. With nearly 50 centimetres on the ground and more on the way, city employees say there have been some problems with larger buildings that have flat roofs but there are no safety concerns. Some are sagging under the weight of the snow. Chief Building Official Barry Coleman tells AM 1220 News home and business owners should ask for professional help to see if their roof is at risk.

South Dundas Butcher Dies In Weekend Storm
March 12, 2008 — A well-known South Dundas butcher has died after getting lost in Sunday's snowstorm. Police say 52-year-old Neil Spruit of Brinston was found on Monday morning after he failed to return home on Sunday night. Spruit had evidently gone out to help a family member with an all-terrain vehicle. Police say his six-wheel A-T-V became stuck. Spruit was found less than two kilometers from his house. He was taken to hospital in Winchester where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy shows he died from hypothermia. Spruit had owned Neil's Butcher Block for roughly two decades.

Snow Causes Roof Problems At Cornwall Wal-Mart
March 11, 2008 — The roof at Cornwall's Wal-Mart is feeling the effects of the snow dump. Management says the roof has bowed about an inch near the check out area. Some electrical housing poles have also bent. Assistant Manager Rick Payette tells AM 1220 News the store remains open and there are no safety concerns. (Hear audio clip below) A construction crew is removing the snow and lightening the load.