Post-Tropical Alberto
batters Nova Scotia

Here is the latest update from Environment Canada....


WOCN31 CWHX 151800
Post-tropical storm Alberto information statement issued by the canadian hurricane centre of Environment Canada at 3.00 PM ADT Thursday 15 June 2006.
The next statement will be issued by 9.00 PM ADT
... The intense storm that formed from Alberto batters Nova Scotia...

1. Current position, strength, central pressure and motion
At 3.00 PM ADT... Post-tropical storm Alberto was located near Latitude 42.6 N and longitude 63.9 W... About 120 nautical miles Or 220 km southeast of Yarmouth. Maximum sustained winds are Estimated at 55 knots... 102 km/h... And central pressure at 970 MB. Alberto is moving east northeast at 25 knots... 46 km/h.

2. Forecast position, central pressure and strength
Date time lat lon MSLP Max wind
ADT MB kts kmh
Jun 15 3.00 PM 42.6N 63.9W 970 55 102 post-tropical
Jun 16 3.00 AM 45.4N 57.8W 976 55 102 post-tropical
Jun 16 3.00 PM 48.6N 51.8W 986 45 83 post-tropical
Jun 17 3.00 AM 52.0N 42.3W 990 40 74 post-tropical

3. Public weather impacts and warnings summary Heavy rain and storm force winds continue buffeting portions of Nova Scotia as the storm system passes by south of the province.
Rainfall accumulations in excess of 10 mm per hour were reported Over western Nova Scotia this morning while winds along the atlantic coast of western Nova Scotia were gusting to more than 100 km/h.
The atlantic storm prediction centre is maintaining wind and heavy rain warnings for portions of Nova Scotia and will be issuing a wind warning for portions of southern Newfoundland. Details can be found in the bulletins issued by the atlantic storm prediction centre.

4. Marine weather impacts and warnings summary The atlantic storm prediction centre is maintaining storm and gale warnings for many maritime and Newfoundland marine areas and will Be extending the storm warnings to areas south of Newfoundland.
Details can be found in the bulletins issued by the atlantic storm prediction centre.

5. Technical discussion
A. Analysis
For continuity we are continuing to refer to this storm as post- tropical Alberto however it has no tropical chartacteristics left when looking at the satellite signature. It is simply a mature extratropical cyclone. The fact that it is this deep in June is Quite rare and likely owes its strength... In part... To the ripe ingredients that it ingested from Alberto overnight.
The storm continues deepening this afternoon with a central pressure In the low 970S at forecast time. The gem initialized too high...
As did other models... However all models recognize that an intense low is in maritime waters.
Dry air has wrapped around the low and significant convection has been evident for many hours just north of the low. Lightning continues being reported west of the low centre over the marine district.
B. Prognostic
The gem regional appears reasonable regarding the track and pressure Tendency for central pressure... Apart from initializing too high.
Between a good satellite and marine data fix on the low centre at 15Z and the gem prog we are content to maintain a similar track to what we issued earlier.
C. Public weather
Nova Scotia rainfall totals up to 17Z include 41 mm at Lunenburg and Western Head.. And 38 mm at Yarmouth. The strongest coastal winds Reported have been peak winds of 119 km/h at Baccaro Point...
Marginal hurricane force. We expect that 40-60 mm rainfall totals will have occurred by the time that this system is in the books.
D. Marine weather
Storm force winds at the Georges Bank buoy were reported well behind the storm so it continues deepening. Wave heights also reached 7 m At that location before they started dropping. A very tight gradient behind the storm is being exaccerbated by strong isallobarics so storm force winds should be expected both ahead of and behind this system for at least the next 12 hours.

Tropical Depression
Alberto hits Carolinas

The storm that was Alberto continues to hit the Tar Heal State with heavy rain and wind. Tornado and High Wind Warnings are in effect for the Outer Banks and most of Eastern North Carolina. Heavy flooding is being reported in parts of the state as over 8 inches of rain has fallen. The storm will move back out over the Atlantic tonight and will affect the Maratimes later tomorrow and Friday.

An update on the conditions expected in Canada follows from Environment Canada......


Post-tropical storm Alberto information statement issued by the canadian hurricane centre of Environment Canada at 3.00 PM ADT Wednesday 14 June 2006.

... Alberto now post-tropical...
Public weather impacts and warnings summary Inland warnings have not yet been issued for the Maritimes or Newfoundland...But they may be required for Thursday or Friday.
Heavy rain associated with post-tropical storm Alberto is expected To move into Nova Scotia on Thursday and Newfoundland on Friday.
While it is too early to warn of specific amounts similar storms In the past have given rainfalls in excess of 50 mm. The speed of this weather system and its proximity to the coast will play a large role in the rainfall amounts and this will continue to be monitored closely.
As in previous forecasts the current track would keep the stronger winds away from most inland regions of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland except for portions of the Avalon Peninsula on Friday.

Marine weather impacts and warnings summary Although Alberto is now a post-tropical system and has winds below gale strength it is expected that it will reintensify as a significant frontal low bringing gales through all southern waters Thursday or Friday.
Gale warnings issued by the atlantic storm prediction centre remain In effect for the Nova Scotia marine areas of Browns Bank.. Georges Bank.. Southwestern shore.. Lahave Bank.. West Scotian Slope..Eastern shore.. Sable.. East Scotian Slope.. Banquereau.. And Laurentian fan. Gale warnings will also likely be required for most southeastern Newfoundland waters on Friday.

Alberto Crosses Florida
Tropical Storm Alberto is in the process of crossing Florida this morning. The good news is that damage appears to be limited. The heavy rain has been beneficial for the state as they have been battling a series of grass fires of late. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for the Big Bend area of the west coast of Florida, while a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from Daytona north towards the SouthCarolina border.

On Monday fears were that the storm would rapidly increase in strength, but luckily the storm stabilized. Evacuations were ordered in the low country along the west coast. Most of the weather is located along the eastern flank of the storm and is stretching from northeast Florida along the Georgia and Carolina coasts. Winds will gust in those areas over 50mph and 3-5 inches (75-150mm) of rain is possible along the track of the storm.

Alberto will brush Canadian waters later in the week. It looks like a rain maker for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Alberto gaining strength

AT 10 AM CDT...A HURRICANE WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE GULF COAST OF FLORIDA FROM LONGBOAT KEY TO THE OCHLOCKONEE RIVER.

The centre of Tropical Storm Alberto is a little northwest of the forecast track and is now expected to hit the big bend area of Florida before moving along the Atlantic coast towards North Carolina. All interests along the southeast and Florida coasts should continue to monitor this storm. NOAA Recon have found winds near 70mph just to the east of the center, and Alberto could become a Hurricane later today. You just never know with these storms that is why they demand so much respect.

Alberto heads for Florida
As with the 2005 season, 2006's season has started early. An area of low pressure west of Cuba has moved into the Gulf of Mexico and become the first tropical system of the seaso. Alberto is a minimal tropical storm with 50mph winds this morning. While the storm will be a big rain maker for the Florida peninsula it is not expected to reach hurricane status at this time. The storm is forecast to drift across the state today and tonight before moving into the Atlantic Tuesday. It will then take aim at the Carolinas. At this time the worst of the weather may remain offshore for the Outer Banks.

I have just returned from two weeks on Hatteras Island in Avon, NC, so I am really hoping the dire predictions for this Hurricane season do not materialize. The island is 50 miles long by 1/2 mile wide and is 25 miles from the mainland. It has a rich history of storms, most recently Ophelia in 05 and Isabel in 03.

In any event rain and gusty winds are occurring across Florida's west coast this morning. Winds have already gusted to over 60mph in squalls along the coast. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the west coast of the state including Tampa Bay. More info can be found at www.hurricanecity.com

The next update will be around 4pm today......

Flooding Spreads West
Build your Ark. No joking, the flooding rains that have been occurring in eastern New England are spreading west. Another stubborn low pressure area will move up the Atlantic Coast today spreading heavy rain, 25-50mm with embedded thunderstorms into Eastern Ontario and Northern NY. A Flood Watch is posted in the US. Some areas in Ontario...in our area, have had close to 2 inches of rain in the last week, 7 straight days or rain and showers!. The ground is still accepting the water, but area waterways are filling and water speeds are increasing. Keep this in mind this Holiday weekend if you plan on being in or on the water. The weekend will be a washout in Ontario and Quebec. Sorry to say.
Our first thunderstorms of the season spread north across North Grenville last night with lightning and 15mm of rain. All area parks in the City of Ottawa are closed until further notice because of the soggy ground.

Will the rain ever end?

Heavy rain continues to fall around a deep upper level low over the Great Lakes. The storm has persisted over the area since last Thursday. Since Thursday, North Grenville has had over 35mm of rain. While this seems impressive, portions of the Merrimack River Valley in New Hampshire and Mass have reported over 300mm (12 inches). The heavy rain has resulted in the worst flooding in New England in close to 70 years, since the Hurricane of 1938. One death has occured. Damage is in the millions. While the rain has lightened in New England, heavy showers and thunderstorms continue to spin around the low over Quebec and Ontario. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for southwestern Ontario this afternoon. No relief is expected into the weekend.


Heavy Rain in Kemptville
- Tuesday night.

Heavy Rain for Ontario....

A stubborn upper level low will rotate throughout the Great Lakes this weekend - very slowly. As a result a cold rain with embedded thunderstorms will dump 30-50mm of rain from Windsor to Montreal through Saturday. Gusty southwest winds will reach speeds of 60km/h near the Great Lakes. It will be nasty and cool along much of the eastern coastline. Further south heavy thunderstorms will stretch from Texas to the Carolinas.

http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/warnings/SWS_bulletins_e.html?prov=on

Winter Weather in parts of
Saskatchewan and the Dakotas

While the east continues to enjoy what has amounted to a very early spring, (it is currently 19C in Kemptville), the west is dealing with a potent late winter storm. The system is currently in Montana sliding eastwards. It has a wide area of very heavy precipitation, that for the most part is falling as rain. However areas along the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border south of the Trans Canada and along the Montana/Dakotas border are expecting heavy wet snow. Blizzard Warnings are in effect in eastern Montana while a general Weather Warning is in effect for Southeast Saskatchewan. 100km/h winds could accompany the precipitation.



The heavy rain in the Dakotas is expected to only add to the flooding misery in the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Manitoba. The picture above shows Interstate 29 just south of Pembina and the Manitoba border.

In the east warm dry weather has lead to the issuance of a Fire Weather Watch for upstate NY. Low relative humidities combined with dry warm southwest winds may lead to a serious grass fire threat. Last week several fires were reported again in Leeds and Grenville. Be very attentive to any outdoor burning.

Eastern Ontario/Western Quebec
Severe Weather Outlook

This is the first of what I hope will be daily updates regarding the risk of severe thunderstorms within our area. Time and life aside, I will post these every morning and update them when severe weather is expected. Also updated US warnings and discussions are available at this link: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

Today: There is a slight risk of convective thunderstorm activity around Western New York and southwest Ontario close to Lake Erie from Hamilton to Windsor. In Eastern Ontario gusty winds to 50km/h and a few sprinkles are expected with perhaps a rumble of thunder.

Thoughts on the warm weather
Snow expected tomorrow!

Greetings weatherverts, so sorry for the lack of writing these days. A couple of factors have played into this. Number 1, March was a very quiet month for weather in Ontario. The second factor is work has been unreal so the thought of more time in front of the computer has not been very appealing.

Nevertheless weather has been happening, as it always does. The Midwest US, the Southern Plains and southeast States have had a an unusually early start to severe weather season. I guess that is to match the late finish. Not much of a break. 27 people died yesterday alone.

It has been very warm of late in Ontario and Quebec. Last Friday we saw several record highs smashed in both provinces including Montreal, Ottawa and Kemptville. It was 24C in Kemptville making it one of the warmest places in the country. This was 76F folks on March 31! People were wearing shorts and hanging their arms out car windows. Restaurant terraces were filled. There is no snow left in Kmeptville. Unfortunately with the warm windy weather has come the threat of grass fires. Several have been reported in the Grenville County with numerous more across Ontario. The fire threat remains elevated across Ontario, New York and Vermont.

All good things must come to an end. Low pressure moving through Ontario today will spawn a second storm near Delmarva tonight. (See the red along the east coast above) This system will move north with moisture and at the same time colder air will sink south into upstate NY and New England. Tonight's rain will change to snow over higher elevations with 6 inches possible by Thursday. Along the valleys just a few flurries are expected at this time. It will however be windy and about 40 degrees F colder than last Friday! Stay tuned!

Winter and Spring battle

The seasons are hosting a battle with us stuck in between. Severe Weather over the weekend claimed at least five lives across the Midwest US with tornadoes from Texas to Illinois. This morning severe thunderstorms are expected as far north as Windsor and London.

A strong Colorado Low over Iowa is moving northeast towards Ontario. As the system spreads east so will a wide variety of spring and winter weather. Dense fog has developed in the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Valley's, that will quickly be replaced by heavy rain and thunderstorms as the day moves on. So for Ottawa and Montreal as well as the Seaway area, today will feature heavy rain, close to 40mm total. This will be followed by a spike in temperatures this evening up to around 12C. Overnight the cold front will approach. Strong Thunderstorms are possible along the front. Tomorrow, strong winds up to 60km/h along with dropping temperatures to below freezing and scattered snowshowers. So it will be a typical roller coaster weather event.

Weather Warnings...

Freezing Rain Warning: Upper Ottawa Valley
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Southwest Ontario Windsor to London (may be extended east)
Dense Fog Advisory: St. Lawrence County NY
Heavy Rain Warning: Montreal south to US Border & Eastern Townships
Winter Strom Warning: Northeast Ontario

More SNOW for Saskatchewan
What was to this point a fairly mild winter across the west is quickly becoming a cold spring. More snow and blowing snow is moving into the southwest part of the province and across Montana and North Dakota. The snow and wind will prevail for most of the day today and into tonight. A general snowfall of 10-15cm is expected with winds gusting over 50km/h. Travel will be poor on area highways.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the areas north of the Number 1 up to the Yellowhead, with a Winter Weather Advisory for Northeast Montana.

Clipper system heads for Ontario

This mornings gusty winds and snow were a little bit of a surprise for me. Winds in the 30-50km/h range will slowly diminish today as high pressure briefly moves into the area. They are causing poor visibility along the 417.

The next storm is right on its heels moving into the province tomorrow before sliding south of Lake Ontario. The storm is a strong clipper and will give between 10-20cm to most of the province starting tonight and most of Saturday. Snowfall Warnings are in place from Renfrew south to Kingston and west to London. As the system passes to our south and east winds will pick up from 30-50km/h causing blowing snow again. Travel will be poor on Saturday in the 401/417/416 corridor and south along I-87 and 81.

Squalls in Kemptville today ValleyWX Photo

Strom wreaks havoc in area
The rapid freeze was historic across our area today. The temperature in Kemptville fell from 6C to -6C in less than one hour. The result was a rapid freeze that has left roads very dangerous. It is currently -12C with winds of 50km/h and a windchill of -22C. This was one of the most rapid drop in temperatures I have ever recorded.

Winds have gusted up to and over 100km/h in areas including 111km/h at Dorval, QC.

Power is out according to Hydro One and Hydro Ottawa to thousands of homes and businesses in the area.

The worst fact has been the roads. Two multiple car accidents have closed the 417 east and west of Ottawa. The crash east of Ottawa is at exit 88 involving 30 cars and according to OPP has resulted in 3 deaths.

They are reminding drivers to slow down or not travel at all.

High Wind Warnings remain in effect for the Seaway Valley.

Warnings are many east to west

Winter returns to Canada

From ice and snow in the east to arctic chill and high windchills in the Prairies, winter has returned. I spent the first hour of my day trying to scrape the large amount of ice off my wind gauges and reset my frozen thermometres. I will post some pictures when the sun comes up and I can get out. It is bad out there we have had lots of ice in the Rideau and Ottawa Valley's and it contiues to fall. it will only get worse as the temperature drops. trees, power lines and roads are coated.

It is currently near 0C (32F) in Kemptville. We have had heavy rain and freezing rain most of the night to go with the 10cm of snow that fell yesterday. A strong arctic cold front is just to our west. It should roar through the area today. The temperatures will nudge above freezing for a fleeting moment or two this morning, before plunging down to -6C by noon. A flash freeze is likely and winds will pick up from the west and northwest at 60-90km/h across all areas but especially along the St. Lawrence River and 401 corridor. (50-60MPH in New York State)

Things will settle down tonight. Of note, some snow may fall along the front and it could be near zero visibility briefly in any snow.

Expect icy roads and sidewalks today........be safe!

Freezing Rain Warning: Montreal/Ottawa
High Wind Warning: Montreal/Upstate New York
Flash freeze Warning: All Areas.....

Winter returns.....
A strong winter storm backed by an Arctic boundary is pressing into the St. Lawrence Valley this morning. Snow will begin shortly and spread into Montreal. Up to 10cm of snow may fall before the precipitation changes over to freezing rain. The freezing rain will last for up to 6 hours in Ottawa an Montreal.

A Freezing Rain Warning is in effect for all of Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for St. Lawrence County in New York.

Behind the storm High Winds - with gust up to 100km/h are possible along the Great Lakes and down the St. Lawrence Valley. High Wind Watches have been posted. These will likely be upgraded later today.

Temperatures: They are around -5C now in Kemptville, will slowly rise to above freezing overnight tonight and then plummet Friday to -18C by Friday night.

Out West: Windchill Warnings are in effect across all three Prairie provinces as winds and bitter cold drop readings into the -40C range, the coldest this season.

Possible storm by Thursday
in Ontario and Quebec
This is a heads up to people living in Ontario and Quebec. A developing Colorado low south of the Great Lakes is expected to move south of the St. Lawrence Valley on Friday. At this time it appears snow and freezing rain will overspread the area from southwest to northeast on Thursday, followed by strong winds and arctic cold on Friday. It is still early but a Special Weather Statement has been issued by both the US and Canadian offices.

Hanlin wins yesterday's Gatorade Duel

Big storm along the East Coast
Five days till Daytona 500.....

Sorry for the lack of entries over the past few weeks. It is that time of year where numerous distractions come my way. After Groundhog Day and between Christmas and Easter, we are in a nasty stretch that all too many Canadians no about. Even if we have had a relatively easy winter in parts, it is still winter. It has been dark, damp and dirty. The three D's as I like to call them. I can't keep my car clean for five minutes. And there are no long weekends to help us out.
Then along comes my other big interest, NASCAR to brighten the weekends up a little. I have been a fan for "pert near" 20 years. Love the sport and we are five days till Daytona.

I would be a miss if I did not mention the record storm along the east coast. It closed most airports between Philly and Maine yesterday and continues to smack the Maratimes this morning. For the most part 1-2 feet of snow fell with a whopping 26.2 inches in central Park, a new record. There have been worse storms, the Superstorm of March 1993 comes to mind, but the US media wants to play this one up, so we will say it was the deepest for now, but the 93 storm sliced into all forms of travel for days. Nevertheless it was a bad storm and I am jealous that all we received in southern Quebec and Ontario was gusty northeast winds and the northern cloud deck from the system.

The lake effect machine is on again. Snow Advisories are posted for Lewis and Jefferson Counties in New York, just south of Gannanoque. This same area received over 2 feet just last week.

Nasty Winter Storm for Ontario

A big winter storm over the southern Appalachians is forecast to move north towards Lake Erie while deepening. The storm is expected to cut the forecast area in two traveling north towards Pembroke. West and north of the storm heavy wet snow is expected. Amounts will be in the 20-30cm range. East and south of the track heavy rain is expected from Oshawa east towards Cornwall. Here from 20-50mm of rain may fall. There is a potential for minor flooding along water ways. In all areas as the low pressure continues to deepen, winds will increase to between 40-60km/h with even higher gusts on Sunday. As the storm pulls to the north, cold air will flood into the area Sunday turning all rain to snow and blowing snow. Roads in the province will become icy and visibility will be limited. The same holds true for western New York and southeast Michigan where from 6-12 inches of snow may fall. The track may vary slightly which would make a big difference in precipitation type so stay tuned.

Winter Storm Warning: Ottawa Valley, Southern Ontario, Western New York, Michigan
Heavy Rain Warning: St. Lawrence Valley
Blowing Snow Advisory: Upper Ottawa Valley in Quebec
Heavy Snow Warning: Northern Laurentians in Quebec

Winter Strom Watch........Again

Yet another mild period in Ontario & Quebec. Yet another Winter Storm Watch for the potential of a big storm late Saturday into Sunday and yet again a difficult forecast. Environment Canada has Posted a Winter Storm Watch for all the counties of southern Ontario from the Quebec border to Windsor.

A very strong 976mb storm is expected to develop and move north from Mississippi to Lake Erie by late Saturday. East of the storm track up to 40mm of rain is expected while west of the storm track 25cm of heavy wet snow. The Winter Storm watches are also in effect for New York State, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Southeast Michigan including Detroit where this weekends Super Bowl is scheduled at Ford Field.

Behind the storm for all areas Heavy Wet Snow and gusty winds over 50km/h will occur Sunday. The potential exists for heavy precipitation and damaging winds this weekend. Plan accordingly if you expect to travel anywhere in the 401 corridor or south along I-81, I-80, and I-87.

Next Update will be at 8am Saturday.....

Phil sees shadow...more winter to come

Puxatawney Phil has risen from his burrow at 7:23ET in the sand hills of western Pennsylvania ans has predicted six more weeks of winter. We are waiting for Wiarton Willie here in Ontario.

Freezing Rain continues......
NO SCHOOL BUS SERVICE

Temperatures in Eastern Ontario remain below freezing this morning. At 6am Cornwall/Massena was -2, Ottawa was -5 and Kemptville was -3. All areas are reporting freezing drizzle. Any untreated areas will be slick. SLOW DOWN. Temperatures will very slowly move above freezing by noon. The storm system will move from upper Michigan to North Bay today. Heavy snow continues on the west side of the storm, North Bay has had 39cm while Pembroke in the upper Ottawa Valley is close to 20cm. My rain gauge is frozen so I am not sure how much freezing rain and sleet has fallen in Kemptville, but the ground is covered and glazed. School Bus service for the City of Ottawa and Lanark, Leeds & Grenville, SD & G and City of Cornwall is cancelled today.

Winter weather returns
For the third weekend in a row, record highs are being followed by winter weather. Kemptville and Ottawa both broke records yesterday hitting 8C and 6C respectively. Now one of the most poorly, albeit difficult forecast weather events is unfolding. Winter Strom Warning are in effect for Eastern Ontario and Southern Quebec. Precipitation, only about 12 hours late is now falling, and will slowly spread east and north as the night moves on. Snow, from 10-20cm will fall along the Ottawa River, with less south. Freezing Rain is expected from Montreal to Brockville, with 2-6mm of ice. Travel is becoming poor and very changeable. Postpone till tomorrow if at all possible. The same is true for upstate New York and Vermont.

The Roller Coaster ride moves on.....

What has become the normal pattern for the winter of 2005-06 continues across most of the country. Cold air, if any, has been short lived, for a day or two at best, punctuated by strong cold fronts that stir up the winds and snow. The photo above shows the 15cm of snow falling across North Grenville last Saturday, January 21. The day before it was 9C in Kemptville and 6C in Ottawa, record highs. Today, Tuesday, January 24, we reached 3C, but snow and gusty winds are forecast tonight. As a matter of fact Winter Strom Warnings are in effect for Jefferson and Lewis counties in New York State for up 30cm of snow, I-81 will be poor tonight and Wednesday. Same is true for the areas around Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Eastern Ontario and west Quebec will see between 2-7cm of snow with winds between 40-60km/h and temperatures dropping by midday Wednesday.

Leftover snow from the 15cm on Saturday - ValleyWeather Pictures

The clean up scene on County Road 43 near Hallville after

5 trucks hit the ditch during Freezing Rain this morning...

Photo Dan Reid

What a morning.....
Ice and heavy rain snarl traffic

Heavy rain and freezing rain blasted the area icing roads and causing numerous accidents in and around Ottawa and Kemptville this morning. The Queensway in Ottawa was down to one lane in many areas with ice and massive puddles the main culprit. Elsewhere the OPP closed Highway 43 at Hallville after several trucks plowed into the ditch. The roads were ice packed at the time. River Road south of the Airport was also closed by city police.

Kemptville received 38mm of rain as of 2pm, Ottawa 26mm. Half of that was frozen during the overnight period. About 7 hours of freezing rain occurred in area. The Seaway fared much better as the temperatures warmed up just after midnight limiting the freezing rain to about 3 hours.

The storm was also responsible for gusty winds, over 80km/h along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Snowsqualls are expected around Lake Huron and south into Watertown, New York. Some snow is forecast tonight along with temperatures below freezing.

Trying to keep up with the ice in Kemptville this morning.

ValleyWeather Photo

All School Busses Cancelled
Heavy Rain a threat now.....

The freezing rain overnight was enough to cancel all busses in our area this morning including Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry and City of Ottawa. We received a good 5-10mm of ice that has coated everything outside. Roads are a mess with hard packed ice in the center lanes. In addition even though it is above freezing the rain that is falling on any untreated surface is still freezing on contact.

Our attention now shifts to the threat of minor flooding and then strong winds. A Wind Warning is in effect for the St. Lawrence Valley on both sides of the border in Ontario, Quebec and NY. Winds will gust form 50-90km/h beginning this afternoon. In addition Heavy Rain Warnings have been posted for Southern Quebec. From 30-50mm of rain is possible, enough to cause flooding where catch basins are blocked. Area rivers will have to be closely monitored. Roads are terrible this morning....slow down......

The Polar Roller Coaster continues
More Freezing Rain....

Not again, I hate these winters.......lets change this pattern please. The snow to rain to snow deal is on again in our region. It has been a month of ice and more ice. A Freezing Rain Warning has been posted again for Eastern Ontario including Leeds & Grenville Counties and metro Ottawa for tonight. Look for snow to begin in the area around sunset and change to freezing rain by midnight. It will be icy overnight and into tomorrow before the temperatures warm up at the surface or cool off aloft. This will taper any precipitation to showers or flurries. The other item of interest with this storm will be the strong winds. As the storm moves from the Midwest up across Lake Huron it will increase winds, first out of the east then the south and southwest. They may gust to warning criteria on Wednesday, that is up to 90km/h in upstate New York and into Ontario.

Flash Freeze Expected

This is an ALERT to anyone living in eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, Northern New York and Vermont. The weather is about to change dramatically today. A strong Arctic boundary will pass through the region by noon-6pm today. Temperatures will fall from present values of 6 to10C down to below freezing rapidly. In addition strong winds will develop from the north at 60km/h and rain will change to snow. Computer models are having a tough time dealing with how much will fall. It looks like 5-20cm across the area. Amounts aside it will be nasty driving.

A Flash Freeze Warning is in effect for Eastern Ontario.
A Winter Strom Watch is in effect for Northern New York and Vermont.

Of Note: A Winter Strom Watch is also in effect for Southeast Saskatchewan. A developing Colorado Low is expected to bring Freezing Rain to the area tonight.

Severe Weather across Southeast US

Despite the calendar saying January, severe weather has broken out across the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Georgia. At least two tornadoes and one fatality have been reported as of 2pm.

Much Colder this weekend

Highlights.....

~Very mild today Ontario and Quebec
~More rain in Vancouver with risk of mudslides
~Flooding rains across New England and eastern New York
~Much colder in Ontario and Quebec tomorrow
~Foggy on the Prairies this morning Assiniboia and Gravelbourg

The storm system that will be bringing us the rain tonight, in some cases as much as 25mm (1 inch), will pull off to our east Saturday. The big question by area forecast offices today is how quickly will the cold air wrap in behind the storm on Saturday. The Burlington office is calling for gusty north winds and 8-13cm of snow Saturday with temps plunging towards -10C. The Ottawa office is looking at the same for wind and temperature but only 2-4cm of snow.

In any event the rain of tonight will begin to freeze up by midday Saturday. That means roads will become very icy and with 60km/h winds and dropping temperatures in the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Valley, whatever snow falls will blow around. Travel will be poor from noon to midnight tomorrow.

Special Weather Statement NY/VT
Flood Watch NY/VT
No Warnings for Quebec/Ontario

Storm likely this weekend....

Good morning everyone......Enjoying the mild weather in Ontario and Quebec I trust! It has been quite a spell. I want to go skating on The Rideau Canal in Ottawa, but it has only been open for a couple of days. The very mild weather will continue into Friday...However,.....Don't just like however's in weather!

Surface low pressure is expected to develop in the Midwest and along the US east coast early Friday. The result will be very mild air, plus 9 for Montreal and Ottawa early Friday along with rain developing into Friday night.

As the storm system along the coast becomes the primary low colder air on very strong north winds will be drawn into the St. Lawrence Valley and northern New England. The rain will change to snow early Saturday morning and continue all day. It is very early in the forecast period, but confidence is growing that we will see a storm. In any event it will be colder. Prepare yourself for winter weather this weekend.

Of Note...Vancouver is going for the rain record set in the 1950's. If it rains through this weekend, and it should, over 50mm expected today, then they will set a new record. So far 29 days straight and counting. They can have it! I will take the mix of seasons any day. Besides how can anyone live where there are no thunderstorms!!!!

Mild weather continues...
Quake rattles Seaway
Sorry for my absence at the start of this weather year. It has been a little busy and the normal January blues have settled in.

It has however been very mild. Temperatures across most of the country have been above normal. The cold air is trapped across the high Arctic. Two storms have fooled forecasters this past week. The first surprise was last Thursday. About 16cm of snow fell in Kemptville, we were only expecting a few cm with freezing rain afterwards. The second storm on Monday took a similar track with another 10-15cm of snow in the area. While Freezing rain Warnings were issued, it never materialized in our area.

The ValleyWeather picture above is the heavy accumulation of snow in Kemptville.

We are currently watching a storm developing in Arkansas that could give lots of problems to the Ottawa valley tomorrow. While mild air is expected to eventually stream into our area, the last two systems have shown us that this does not always go as planned.
At any rate freezing rain is expected to change to rain early Wednesday morning.

An Earth Quake rattled the St. Lawrence River Valley 61km southwest of Montreal. The quake registered 3.7 on the Richter Scale. No reports of any damage.

Below is a sun pillar last Friday, January 6 in North Grenville - ValleyWeather Pic

More ice for the valleys

It has been a rough start to 2006 for many across North America and indeed the world. My thoughts and prayers are with those in the West Virginia mine tragedy, the news is not good this morning, as well as those suffering in the California floods and the wildfires in the southern plains.

The weather has been equally bizarre with a very mild flow of Pacific air dominating the North America. This has allowed very warm tropical air to stream northward. Temperatures have been almost summerlike from Texas to Florida. In Ontario and Quebec we are just north of the really warm air. The unfortunate thing about that is it leaves our areas exposed to freezing rain and fog. This morning a Freezing Fog Advisory is in effect for the St. Lawrence Valley of NY/Ontario, and the Conn. Valley of Eastern Vermont.

A low pressure area developing in the Midwest will slide down the St. Lawrence Valley tonight leaving Montreal and Ottawa on its northern side. Snow and sleet will develop today and continue into Thursday. By the time it ends 10cm should fall. It won't be a big storm, but it will be messy. No warnings are out yet, but the system should be watched.

The ice was about 1/4 inch thick in North Grenville today

Icy Rain over Ontario/Quebec

A fast moving area of low pressure skirted across Upstate New York today with up to 10mm of freezing rain in the area. Roads were slippery and some minor power outages were reported by Hydro One. The precip is just about over in Ontario with a few flurries or showers left over.

Travel till late Sunday looks great before another storm system moves in on Monday. Be safe and have a very Happy start to 2006!!!

Ice Storm Possible
Well it is back to work for many of us. Christmas was mild for most of the country. The storm that was expected in our area shifted a little east and dumped 30-70cm of snow from Quebec City into New Brunswick. In Montreal over 12 hours of freezing rain and wind knocked power out to 70,000 homes on the south shore. Roads were icy and travel uncomfortable, (best way to describe driving on ice).

The next storm is on our doorstep. Low pressure over Illinois will move south of the lower lakes tonight. It is looking like the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Valley's will have a prolonged period of Freezing Rain beginning tonight after 4pm. Expect 5-10mm or close to 1/2 inch of ice by noon tomorrow. Warnings are in place for both sides of the border (NY,Ont.) and in Montreal. That will be enough to make travel very poor and create some power outages as well. Stay tuned. If you have to travel tonight between Kingston, Montreal and Ottawa I would go early today or after noon tomorrow.

Christmas Weather Update....

While precipitation over the next few days will be light, it will be falling. With that in mind, travel with care and caution. The first shot of precipitation will be moving into our area this afternoon and tonight. While most areas are above freezing and will see a few centimetres of wet snow, some normally colder pockets, like Cornwall, Ontario, the upper Ottawa Valley or the Eastern Townships, Quebec & Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, may see spotty freezing rain. Tonight and Saturday more light snow with spotty freezing rain.

According to the National weather Service out of Burlington Vermont, the threat remains likely for a snowstorm Sunday night. It is becoming less likely for eastern Ontario. With the storm along the US coast, the western extent of the snow may only be as far west as the border communities with Quebec. Montreal will however receive the snow if the system develops. Travel with caution and listen to the updated forecast before you go.

To everyone, Family, Friends and Co-Workers who endure my constant chatter about the weather, Thank You a million times. I love the weather, but the real thrill is sharing it with you. Be safe...Slow down and enjoy the Holidays......Stephen

Christmas Day Snowstorm.....
Ok don't panic yet, but here is the latest scoop on the Holiday weather. Today, Thursday, is a great travel day, just a little light snow but nothing major. Tomorrow, Friday will be sloppy with some snow and sleet, but with the expected high of 0C to -2C, I think we will be fine in Ontario and Quebec.

The challenge comes later in the forecast period, late Sunday into Monday. Low pressure is forecast to develop along the east coast and move towards Cape Cod, The moisture on the back side of the system will approach Montreal late Sunday. I think it will have trouble moving into eastern Ontario. At any rate, a significant snow may fall into Boxing Day for southwest Quebec, Eastern Ontario, New York State and Vermont.. At this point here is the travel outlook....

Thursday...GOOD
Friday... SLOPPY but SAFE with Caution
Saturday....GOOD best day.
Sunday...GOOD early moving to POOR or worse late.....

I will update this early tomorrow morning.

Be safe and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Christmas Update.................
An arctic front slid south across the area today with snow north and south of Kemptville. The Kemptville bubble held tight deflecting the snow around us...go figure. The forecast for the weekend has modified a little. Friday looks to be cloudy with flurries and mild. Saturday into Christmas Day could be interesting with a low developing along the Eastern Coast of the US. It is early, and computer models are having trouble with the exact track. If this worries you, and you are travleling for the holidays, leave Friday night or early Saturday. Stay Tuned...............

Just some of the 41cm of snow clogging Montreal roads this weekend.

ValleyWeather Photo

First look at Christmas.....
Travel in the east could be a little slippery come the Christmas weekend, but no major delays at this time are expected. It will be mild, but some of the precipitation could be in the form of freezing rain. Any precipitation at this point looks to be light. Lots can change but right now Friday looks to be about 0C to plus 2C through most of Eastern Ontario and west Quebec, with flurries or showers. Same for Saturday and Christmas Day. Stay tuned.......

Clearing Leeds/Grenville Roads early this morning (VWXPhoto)

Record Snowstorm for Montreal
Over 41cm of snow fell today in Montreal bringing transportation to a standstill. Big ugly accidents occurred everywhere, there were too many to mention. Airport closed for hours, all schools closed. It was a record storm for December 16 and very close to the benchmark superstorm of March 4, 1971. According to my parents the March 71 storm was the storm that sparked my interest in weather. I sat in our windowsill on Lasalle Blvd and watched the snow pile up all day. The difference in 71 was the storm was accompanied by 100km/h winds.

It will take millions of dollars and 5 days to clear the storm from area roads. Today from 6am-NOON visibility in Montreal was less than 1km.

In North Grenville between 20-25cm fell in the county. Busses were cancelled, hundreds of accidents along the 401 & 416. More squalls are moving off Lake Ontario tonight so a few more centimetres are possible.

SnowStorm Totals:

Ontario:
OTTAWA 22 CM
GATINEAU 23 CM
PETAWAWA 8 CM
CORNWALL 23 CM PLUS 7 CM OF ICE
KEPTVILLE 20CM PLUS 3 HOURS OF FREEZING RAIN


Quebec:
CAMPBELL'S BAY... 15-20 CM
MANIWAKI.... 20 CM
MONT-LAURIER... 15 CM
MORIN HEIGHTS... 30 CM AT 09:00 AM
MIRABEL... 43 CM
ST-LIN-LAURENTIANS... 41 CM
RAWDON... 30 CM
L'ASSOMPTION... 18 CM
DORVAL... 41 CM
ST-HUBERT... 35-40 CM
ORMSTOWN... ABOUT 15 CM WITH 5-10MM OF ICE

Update.....
Very heavy snow continues in the St. Lawrence Valley. Montreal has had 19cm so far, (15cm in the last two hours!) Ottawa 10cm. Travel is poor, if you can wait a few more hours before heading out.

Busses Cancelled in area
Heavy Snow moves into Kemptville
Radar shows at 6am, Heavy Snow is now falling over the Ottawa and Seaway Valley from Trenton east to Montreal and north to Ottawa. The heaviest snow will fall until at least noon with total storm accumulations reaching 25cm. Overnight for at leat 3 hours freezing rain and sleet fell in Kmeptville & Ottawa. As a result expect to have to scrape your car for some time this morning. The threat of ice has passed it will be mainly a snow event for the balance of the storm. It should be over in Ontario by mid afternoon and tonight in Montreal.

Heavy Snow Warnings remain in effect for areas from Trenton to Ottawa and east to Quebec City. South of the border Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for New York and northern Vermont.

Of Note: All school busses are cancelled for the City of Ottawa, Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, Prescott and Russell and Lanark, Leeds and Grenville. Some schools are closed as well.....

Winter Storm Warnings
extended to Montreal/Ottawa

Winter Storm Warnings are now in effect for all areas of Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec and Northern New England. The forecast is very simple...SNOW. Heavy snow will develop tonight and continue into Friday. Travel will become increasingly difficult in heavy snow and some blowing snow. Radar is showing the snow as far north and east as Toronto with the heaviest precipitation still south of the border. Heavy snow 15-30cm will fall across New York and Quebec / Ontario corridor along the 401 and up the Ottawa Valley.

Above: ValleyWeather Photo of Ice Fog and Black Ice in the

Seaway Valley this morning. Temps were as cold as -24C

Warnings Issued
The much anticipated winter storm is upon us. Heavy Snow Warnings have been posted for the entire southwest portion of Ontario from Windsor to the Quebec border including Leeds/Grenville and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Counties.

There is also a Winter Storm Watch posted for New York and Northern Vermont. The snow will spread northeast over the day on Thursday and persist into Friday. Snow will accumulate from 10-15cm in Toronto and Southwest Ontario and 15-25cm in Ottawa and Montreal. I expect more warnings will be issued. Winds will be on the increase out of the east causing blowing snow in the St. Lawrence Valley.

Travel will become difficult by Friday morning. Plan accordingly.... this could be the worst stom in the last couple of years.

Winter Storm Update
A complex long weather event is shaping up for Ontario and southern Quebec over the next 48-72 hours. I don't have to tell you but "Baby Its Cold Out There!" Both my digital thermometers have frozen up this morning, lithium batteries or not......They stopped at -24C (-11F) for our US weatherverts. So needless to say the cold air is in place. It will remain in place as dual low pressure areas begin to converge on our area.

The first is a potent little clipper from western Canada that will slide across the lakes and produce 5-15cm of snow beginning mid day Thursday near the GTA and moving east towards the Quebec border by evening.

The second more significant storm will race up the east coast to be near Boston by late Friday. It will produce a swath of heavy snow and ice from just inland along the eastern seaboard from North Carolina north to New England, New York, Montreal and the Ottawa area. Too early to talk about amount but the 25cm amount is being tossed around by some weather folk. Stay tuned for any watches or warnings. So far only a Special Weather Statement is out.

Snowstorm on the way for
Eastern Ontario
The coldest air of the season is upon us. Temperatures last night were as cold as -22C in Kemptville. It is becoming more and more apparent that the biggest storm of this winter, and maybe last winter as well, will occur this Friday and Saturday. A major low pressure area is forecast to develop over the Gulf Coast. The storm fueled by tropical moisture and arctic cold will race up the east coast. Unlike other storms that have moved out to sea, this one is forecast to move inland over New England.

Montreal and Eastern Ontario will be in the projected storms heaviest swath of precipitation. A Special Weather Statement has been issued by the National weather Service for St. Lawrence County in New York.
It is early to give amounts but I will be following it closely. Plan for severe winter weather from late Thursday through Saturday morning.

The picture at right is a ValleyWeather Photo from Alight At Night at Upper Canada Village last Saturday Night. It was very breezy and cold but pleasant nonetheless.

An Alberta Clipper is giving snow and blowing snow to Manitoba and Saskatchewan, bringing to an end the mild weather of this past weekend. A statement has been issued.

Snow and more snow

The snow has eased in Ontario and Quebec as the system transfers its energy to a coastal storm that will pound Nova Scotia tonight. 15-25cm of snow are forecast there.

The storm yesterday was the primary factor in a Southwest Airlines 737 overshooting the runway at Chicago's Midland Airport killing a little boy on the ground.

~ At this hour a Freezing Rain Warning remains in effect for southern Saskatchewan. Travel is icy across the Assiniboia area south and east towards Rockglen and Estaven

~ The east coast storm moved dumped 6-10 inches of snow from Ohio to New York. In Ontario 150 accidents were reported in Metro Toronto as 10-20cm (4-8 inches) of snow fell. The 401 was closed for a spell west of Kingston.

Here are today's local totals:
WINDSOR 13 CM
BELLE RIVER 16CM
HARROW 21 CM
LEAMINGTON 20 CM
DELHI 12 CM
LONDON 10 CM (EST'D)
CAMBRIDGE (TOWN LINE RD) 12 CM
KITCHENER STANLEY PARK 13 CM
HAMILTON 10-15 CM (EST'D)
BARRIE 17 CM (EST'D)
TORONTO DOWNSVIEW 10.6 CM
TORONTO PEARSON AIRPORT 11 CM
TORONTO CITY 12 CM (EST'D)
TORONTO BATHURST/BLOOR 11.5 CM
TORONTO EAST YORK 10.6 CM
MARKHAM (BUTTONVILLE ARPT) 10 CM
TRENTON 10 CM
COBOURG 7 CM (EST'D)
PETERBOROUGH 7 CM (EST'D)
KINGSTON 10 CM
OTTAWA 5 CM
KEMPTVILLE 5 CM (EST'D)
ALEXANDRIA 5 CM
CORNWALL 8 CM

5-15cm of Snow for Southern and Eastern Ontario
More snow is approaching Ontario tonight. A deepening storm system with a center over the Ohio Valley and secondary development off the eastern seaboard of the US is advancing northeast. A wide area of snow will begin falling shortly in Windsor and spread north and east overnight. I believe the heaviest snow will stay south of Kemptville and The Seaway.
The heaviest snow at this time, over 15cm will fall from Windsor to Hamilton and south. North of there 5-10cm is expected from the GTA towards the Ottawa Valley. Winds along the north shore of Lake Erie will gust to 60km/h causing blowing snow and poor travel on the 401 tonight and Friday.

In the US, many areas of the northeast and southern New England are under Heavy Snow or Winter Storm Warnings. 15-30cm is expected in new York City and Boston. Further north snow advisories are in effect for most of central and southern New York and central New England.

More Cold & Snow
An Arctic Airmass will spill across the Great Lakes for the balance of the week resulting in the coldest air of the season so far. Temperatures will be as cold as -18C by Thursday morning in Eastern Ontario. Temperatures will fall through the day on Wednesday on breezy northwest winds. High temperatures will be reached in Kemptville and the Seaway early in the morning.

~ The snow will continue to pile up in Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego Counties in New York State along with the area just east of Georgian Bay. Lake Effect Snow Warnings are in effect. Thunder has even been reported today with the snow.

~ An intense winter storm is forecast to develop in the deep south tonight and spread snow and ice from Texas to the Northeast through the balance of the week. At this time it looks like the main area of precipitation will stay to our south and east with just flurries and cold air in Ontario. However it is early....stay tuned.

Snowsqualls in Ontario...cold in the west

Heavy snowsqualls continue to dump snow on southern Ontario and Western New York. The heaviest bands have been falling from Georgian Bay south and east all the wy to Lakes Ontario and Erie. They are producing white out conditions along the 401. Thunder has even been reported with the snow. Cold air is pouring into the region on the west side of low pressure located in Quebec. The record highs of this past week are but a distant memory. Even in other parts of Ontario, not affected by the squalls, snow contiues to fall. Several centimetres are expected in Ottawa and along the Seaway.

~ In the west biting cold is occurring with temperatures struggling to reach -10C.

The extended forecast in the east will continue the cold weather, with the potential for more snow into next week.

Record Warmth in Ontario & Snow in Victoria/Vancouver
Wow what a day it turned out to be yesterday. The strong southwest flow of air in advance of that Colorado Low pushed temperatures to record levels in Ontario. Cornwall hit 20C while Kemptville was 19C. The record warmth was about 20 degrees above the average high for this time of the year. The rain that fell with the storm, in many cases in excess of 30mm, has forced a rise in area water levels. As a matter of fact there were an array of flood warnings posted for numerous counties in New York. Meanwhile a Pacific storm dumped a few centimetres of snow on the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. It was enough to make a mess of traffic.

~ The warm weather will be drawing to a close over the next 24 hours. A weak area of low pressure will herald much colder air along with a cm or two of snow late Thursday. As the system moves east it will intensify over the Maratimes. The cold air on the back side of the storm will sweep over the Great Lakes and turn on the snow machines once again in Jefferson, Lewis and the western Counties of NY, along with the area south and east of Lake Huron.

~ Tropical Storm Epsilon has formed in the Atlantic Ocean as the 2005 Hurricane season shows no sign of ending. Although the season officially ends today, we will be tracking Epsilon into December.

Freezing Rain Update

Freezing Rain ahead of a very warm and moist airmass is almost over in eastern Ontario after several millimeters of ice overnight. Roads are very slippery across the district and will be until mid morning....

SCHOOL BUSES only, have been cancelled for all schools, English and French in Lanark, Leeds, Grenville, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott & Russell. The schools are open...go figure!

The Freezing Rain should end shortly in Montreal and the Warnings will be aloud to expire.

Drive slowly........

ValleyWXPhoto...Plowing the roads in

South Mountain, Ontario this morning

Strom update......

The snow is just about over for Kemptville and Ottawa with just light flurries for the balance of the night. Less than 10cm has fallen here. The winds will begin to pick up shortly and will gust from 40-60km/h out of the west causing blowing and drifting snow.

The squalls and strong northwest winds have started up in the lee of the Great Lakes and travel in those areas is not recommended including south of the border around Watertown to Oswego to Buffalo, NY and further west through northern Pennsylvania (Erie County) and Ohio.

Strom continues.....
This is what you need to know today....

Ontario: Heavy Snow Warning for much of the southern part of the province. Heavy snow is occuring across the eastern part of the province from the clipper. Once that ends around noon, up to 15cm will be on the ground. It will be blown around by 40-60km/h winds.

Around the Lakes the snow machine will kick in with isolated heavy bands of snow dumping from 25-50cm in areas off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Thunder has even been reported with the snow!

New York: travel will be very difficult across northern parts of the Empire State with heavy lake effrect snow and squalls affecting all of the northern and western counties. Up to 15cm is expected in St. Lawrence and Clinton Counties, with 15 plus in all other counties bordering the Lakes. Highways will be closed...check before you leave. Don't travel today if you don't have to.

ValleyWxPhoto: Snowsqualls along Leeds/Grenville Rd 44 this morning...

Winter Strom Warnings
15-25cm for Kemptville and the Seaway
A major winter weather event is upon us. An Alberta Clipper storm moving across the Great Lakes is forecast to deepen. Heavy Snow will begin overnight in the area and spread east to the Quebec border. Heavy Snow Warnings have been posted for Leeds/Grenville and the rest of Eastern Ontario.

The storm is expected to move across New York State Thursday. In its wake high winds will gust north or northwest over 60km/h. These winds will produce near Blizzard Conditions on the south side of the lakes in the traditional snowbelts. Expect poor travel on I-90 and I-81 from the Thousands Island Bridge to Syracuse. Also the 401 will become snow covered and very icy from Prescott west as the overnight period moves on.

Expect very poor travel weather in all areas Thursday...plan accordingly.

Another Winter Storm on the way for Ontario
Another round of winter weather is in store for our area. Yesterdays storm just grazed eastern Ontario and Montreal with light snow. At best a few centimetres fell, enough to slick up the roads. The storm was a nor'easter that roared up the eastern seaboard. Heavy rain and winds that exceeded 100km/h were reported in Nova Scotia and new Brunswick.

This next storm is a normally docile Alberta Clipper, however with the Great Lakes void of any ice, it is about to become quite intense. Snow is forecast to overspread the province from west to east tonight and early Thursday. The snow will be accompanied by strong gusty and shifting winds from the southwest then northwest. This will blow and drift much of what falls. Early estimates put the snowfall for most of us including Ottawa, Kemptville, Iroquois, the Seaway and Montreal between 10-15cm, with some areas around the northern Lakes and upper Ottawa Valley receiving over 20cm.

Winter Storm Warnings have been posted for portions of the province and a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Northern New York and Northern New England. OF NOTE: It is a big travel period for many Americans. I wish you all a Happy Holiday and ask you to think today about your travel plans across the Great Lakes and Northeast. Behind the storm strong gusty northerly winds and unseasonable cold will turn on the snow machines across the snowbelts of Ontario and New York. This will be a big event with 1-2 feet of snow in the snowbelts south of Watertown NY (I-81) and across the Buffalo area (I-90).

The nest Advisory on this strom will be issued around 3pm today.....

Winter Storm Update
Here is how our first storm of the season will play out over the next 24 hours. It appears that strong low pressure currently developing south of Cape Hatteras will move north and east to lie near New York City tomorrow. The storm will spread heavy precipitation and gusty winds as far west as the St. Lawrence Valley. Presently no warnings have been issued on the Canadian side. There is however a Winter Strom warning in effect for the Adirondacks of NY and the Green Mountains while tha valley's have a Winter Weather Advisory posted. Precipitation will spread from south to north reaching eastern Ontario overnight. Precip will begin as rain mixed with snow before changing to all snow on gusty north winds up to 50km/h. The temperature will drop below freezing in the afternoon and it will become nasty form travel on Tuesday. At this time 10cm of snow near the US border with 5-10 elsewhere is a good bet. However it will all depend when the change over from rain occurs. It will nevertheless be a tough travel day with some form of precip all day throughout the region. More snow is expected by Thursday morning as another storm system moves near our area.

Special Weather Statement
First Snowstorm of Season on its way

Strong low pressure is forecast to develop along the southeast coast of the US on Monday and move up along the seaboard towards the St. Lawrence Valley. Rain and wind is forecast for a large portion of New England , Ontario and Quebec beginning late in the day. As cold air is drawn into the storm, the rain will change to snow in eastern Ontario and Montreal on Tuesday. The track of the storm is still uncertain, however a Winter Strom Watch has been posted for the Adirondacks of NY. More watches and warning may be issued later Monday. Stay tuned and plan for winter weather for the balance of the week. It will snow and it will be cold from Tuesday on. Plan now and adjust your driving. The next statement will be posted by 4pm Monday.

Please slow down....

It is a message that becomes so clear as the snow flies and ice begins to form on area roadways. At least five fatal accidents have happened locally in the last 48 hours, the most recent in North Grenville this morning due to fog. But weather fog or freezing rain just SLOW DOWN. I am not quite sure why we try to push ourselves and our machines to the limit.

Heavy rain and poor visibility with some icy spots made the trip to and from the Corel Centre last night a little bit of an adventure, yahoos were still trying to push the pedal to 120km or more. I have been driving thousands of kilometres in numerous states and provinces for almost 25 years and despite the message being repeated every November when the first snow flies we don't seem to be getting it! Needless to say, unless you, or someone you love, is dying or giving birth, nothing is worth the price of your life. You have heard it before, slow down when the road conditions are poor. More snow and ice are hours away for Leeds & Grenville, and St. Lawrence Counties, please be careful and thoughtful of others.

Enough of that...today was a wild day temperature wise. A small wedge of wildly warm air for November pushed into Kemptville this morning. At 8:00am it was 8c by 9am it was 17c and by noon back down to 8c. The rapid warm up meant many people had condensation and fog inside their homes! A phenomena that occurs when it is actually colder in your home and car than outside. Rare event in November.

A Lake Effect Snow advisory is in effect for southern St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Franklin Counties in New York. If you are traveling south on I-81 or US37 be advised that roads could become icy overnight. We are expecting flurries in eastern Ontario.

The snowstorm that hit Manitoba and Saskatchewan dumped from 15-30cm of snow. It was
-29C in Regina this morning...ouch!!!

Be safe!!!!

Severe Weather Statement from Environment Canada.....

The threat for Freezing Rain has passed in Kemptville.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT ISSUED FOR..CITY OF TORONTOWINDSOR - ESSEX - CHATHAM-KENTSARNIA - LAMBTONELGINLONDON - MIDDLESEXSIMCOE - DELHI - NORFOLKDUNNVILLE - CALEDONIA - HALDIMANDOXFORD - BRANTNIAGARACITY OF HAMILTONHALTON - PEELYORK - DURHAMHURON - PERTHWATERLOO - WELLINGTONDUFFERIN - INNISFILGREY - BRUCEBARRIE - ORILLIA - MIDLANDBELLEVILLE - QUINTE - NORTHUMBERLANDKINGSTON - PRINCE EDWARDPETERBOROUGH - KAWARTHA LAKESSTIRLING - TWEED - SOUTH FRONTENACBANCROFT - BON ECHO PARKBROCKVILLE - LEEDS AND GRENVILLECITY OF OTTAWAGATINEAUPRESCOTT AND RUSSELLCORNWALL - MORRISBURGSMITHS FALLS - LANARK - SHARBOT LAKEPARRY SOUND - MUSKOKA - HUNTSVILLEHALIBURTONRENFREW - PEMBROKE - BARRY'S BAYALGONQUINBURK'S FALLS - BAYFIELD INLET.

ANOTHER MAJOR FALL STORM TO HIT SOUTHERN ONTARIO. A DEVELOPING LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER OKLAHOMA THIS MORNING WILL DEEPEN INTO A MAJOR FALL STORM TODAY AND TRACK TO EASTERN LAKESUPERIOR BY WEDNESDAY MORNING. PRECIPITATION AHEAD OF THIS SYSTEM HAS ALREADY REACHED PARTS OF SOUTHERN ONTARIO. THE PRECIPITATION IS IN THE FORM OF RAIN OVER SOUTHERN AREAS AND SNOW FURTHER NORTH. SNOW WILL CHANGE TO FREEZING RAIN THIS AFTERNOON OVER THE OTTAWA VALLEY AND COTTAGE COUNTRY BEFORE CHANGING TO RAIN LATE THIS AFTERNOON OR EARLY THIS EVENING.

A FREEZING RAIN WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THESE REGIONS.OVER MORE SOUTHERN AREAS RAIN AND THE ODD THUNDERSTORM WILL OCCUR AHEAD OF THE WARM FRONT. THE FRONT WILL MOVE NORTH TONIGHT AND MANYREGIONS WILL ACTUALLY SEE TEMPERATURES RISE OVERNIGHT.

BY WEDNESDAY MORNING A STRONG COLD FRONT FROM THE LOW WILL HAVE CROSSED SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO AND WILL SWING THROUGH EASTERN ONTARIO DURING THE DAY. THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY IS EXPECTED TO ACCOMPANY THEFRONT OVER SOME LOCALES WITH A FEW STRONG THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE. IN ADDITION WINDS WILL BECOME NORTHWEST WITH GUSTS TO 70 KM/H.THE COLD AIRMASS BEHIND THE FRONT WILL CAUSE TEMPERATURES TO FALLDURING THE DAY. LISTEN FOR FURTHER STATEMENTS. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY ALSO BEFOUND BY CONSULTING THE LATEST PUBLIC FORECAST.

Travel not recommended tonight in Saskatchewan
Strom moving into Ontario

It is a busy evening weatherwise with a major Colorado Low affecting the Prairies and moving into Ontario. Saskatchewan Highways is not recommending travel tonight due to strong winds and near zero visibility on most roads in the southern part of the province. 10-15cm of snow has fallen with cold temperatures and gusty winds.

In the east a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for St. Lawrence County, NY with snow and freezing rain expected till noon tomorrow. In eastern Ontario a few cm of snow may fall before it changes to rain. There is a risk of some thunderstorm activity along the cold front Tuesday night into Wednesday. This will be followed by very strong gusty winds. These winds may reach warning criteria again.

Tropical Depression 27 has formed in the Atlantic and may become a storm later tonight.

Winter Storm Warning for Saskatchewan....

A developing winter storm is producing dangerous travel conditions across the southern half of the province today. Winds are gusting to 50km/h and stronger along with snow. Very low visibilities are being reported along and south of the Trans Canada Highway along with cold temperatures. These conditions will ease in the west by late today and overnight in the east as the storm moves into Manitoba. Warnings have been issued from Gravelbourg/Assiniboia east to the Manitoba border.

"Lest We Forget"
Please take time today to remember the sacrifices made by the thousands of Canadian Men and Women so that we can enjoy the freedom to Blog and do whatever else we want to in this great country.
Most communities are holding services this morning between 10:00-NOON, plan to attend if you can. Wear a Poppy.

Lightning flashes across the

November sky and rain pounds

the windshield along the 401 Sunday night....

Wild weather today......
After this past weekends wild weather in the east, a break would be nice! But not today,because another round of rain, wind and even some snow is on the way.
The weekend was interesting across the St. Lawrence Valley. I drove home around 5pm on Sunday straight into that fierce cold front that had spawned the tornado in Indiana. The lightning was amazing to the west along the 401. It felt like July not November. I got off the highway in Summerstown, driving around a downed tree. It was hard to see on the 401. In all about 25mm of rain came down with the front. Winds were gusting between 60-100km/h along and behind the front.
Today: Heavy Snow Warnings are in effect for Southern Saskatchewan and Southern Manitoba, north of the Trans Canada. For Ontario and Quebec this system will mean another round of gusty winds and rain mixed with snow. Winter Storm Watches and Warnings are in effect for Northern Ontario and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been posted for southwest Ontario. For the Upper Ottawa Valley, the precip will begin in the form of freezing rain and could last up to 4 hours fo places like Renfrew and Calabogie. As the cold front charges through later this afternoon, heavy rain and thunderstorms will develop like on Sunday. There is a chance of over 50mm of rain from Toronto to Kingston with 25mm or so from Kingston to Montreal.
There is even the chance of some Lake Effect snow as the next cold front races through late Wednesday and Thursday.

Strong Winds Today...

A strong and deepening storm over Michigan this morning will slide into Ontario. Trailing from the storm is a cold front that is causing all kinds of severe weather. Big thunderstorms flared up overnight in the unseasonable warm and humid air to the east of the front. (It was 20C in Burlington, Vermont yesterday and in the 20's in New York State.) The front produced a tornado in Evansville, Indiana overnight, with a path 3/4mile wide and 20 miles in duration, killing at least 11 and injuring over 150.

High Wind Warnings have been posted for Ontario, Upstate New York, The Champlain and St. Lawrence Valley's and will be extended into Montreal later today. Caution is advised, as winds will approach 80km/h capable of knocking down trees and power lines. Passage of the front will be from 2pm on moving west to east from Kingston east into Quebec... Travel with care....

Happy Birthday PJ........

Snow for Gravelbourg as well as
Northen Montana and North Dakota

A storm system sliding south of the border will give snow this afternoon and tonight across the area. A few centimetres of snow can be expected.

The following Snow Advisory is in effect for the northern Montana counties.

...SNOW ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON..
A SNOW ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON. THE SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO FALL ACROSS THE ADVISORY AREA INTO THIS AFTERNOON. LOOK FOR ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS...WITH TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS BETWEEN 2 AND 4 INCHES. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO ENDFROM WEST TO EAST TODAY. THE HIGHER SNOW AMOUNTS ARE LIKELY TO BEFOUND ON GRASSY SURFACES.A SNOW ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS ANDLIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.