The next storm...

It has become almost routine this winter, storm after storm. For years this region has been either on the edge of storms or in warm air, so we received rain, not this season. The winter of 2007/2008 has dropped more snow on eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley than most places in Canada including the Maritimes. Yesterday storm totals were 24cm for Smiths Falls, 28cm for Ottawa and 32cm for Montreal. Most places have approached or are within striking range of their snowiest winters. I estimated Kemptville had close to 25cm of precipitation about half of that sleet. Roads were the poorest I have seen them all winter yesterday in North Grenville. The sleet was like ball bearings to drive on. I helped push out at lest 4 cars...love those 20 year old traction aides of mine!

Now onto the next storm. After a break today we can expect snow and strong northeast winds to redevelop late Friday ahead of low pressure developing in Texas. This storm is expected to ride up the spine of the Appalachians and pass east of our region. This would place Kemptville, Ottawa and Montreal in the area for the biggest snows again. While the forecast is still difficult because the storm has yet to develop, paths such as this usually bring 20-30cm of snow. Winds will be very strong again with this storm in the 50-60km/h range causing blowing and drifting snow. The worse day will be Saturday, so plan your weekend accordingly. I will update this blog at around 4pm today.