The wreckage on the 401 westbound at Morrisburg, ON as captured by our

Iroquois Chieftain Editor Joe Morin. More photos will be in next weeks issue.

401 accident claims life of driver

A nasty accident on the 401 has claimed the life of a truck driver. The wreck involved 5 transports just after midnight this morning in the 401 westbound lanes 3km from Morrisburg. OPP are on the scene and the highway is closed between Mosrrisburg and Iroquois indefinitely. Detours are in place on County Road 2. Investigators are on the scene. The weather at the time was clear and cold. No other details are available at this time.

Kemptville yesterday in 10cm of snow

Lake Snows slide south


The heavy lake effect snows that had closed the 401 yesterday and gave over 10cm (4 inches) of snow to Kemptville, have slipped south of the border and are centered over southern Jefferson and northern Oswego Counties. The band, according to National Weather Service spotters, has dumped over 2 feet of snow on Redfield and other towns in the county today alone. Totals will reach over 3 feet under the most persistent bands. Travel is not advised within the band area including Interstate 81 south of Watertown and north of Syracuse. Warnings are out for the entire Lake Ontario shoreline on the US side.

Highway 401 CLOSED

The eastbound lanes of Highway 401 are closed from Cobourg for almost 200km east to Gananoque because of heavy snow and white out conditions in snowsqualls off Lake Ontario. The OPP have reported over 100 accidents so far.

The complete story is at...
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=b6e4095b-2233-4c82-b7aa-2d4da86a9d8b&k=42045

Steady snow moving
into Leeds Grenville at this hour...

Heavy snow and squalls are moving northeast of Lake Ontario and into our region at this hour. Radar is showing intense streamers with heavy snow and even some lightning. Winds are expected to increase to southwest at 40-60km/h and will cause blowing snow and reduced visibilities. The following was issued by Environment Canada for our area...

BLOWING SNOW WARNING for:Brockville - Leeds and Grenville
WHITEOUT CONDITIONS THIS AFTERNOON.
ISSUED BY ENVIRONMENT CANADA AT 2:46 PM EST TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2008
AN INTENSIFYING LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL CONTINUE TO TRACK EASTWARD ACROSS LAKE HURON TODAY REACHING SOUTHERN QUEBEC BY THIS EVENING. BRISK SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS WILL DEVELOP OVER MOST AREAS THIS AFTERNOON CAUSING BLOWING SNOW. LATEST ANALYSIS AT 2:00 PM IS SHOWING HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WITH VISIBILITIES BELOW 1 KILOMETRE ALONG HIGHWAY 401 BETWEEN OSHAWA AND KINGSTON. THIS AREA OF HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW IS EXPECTED TO PERSIST FOR A FEW MORE HOURS THIS AFTERNOON BEFORE THE COLD FRONTAL PASSAGE SWEEPS THE HEAVY SNOW ACTIVITY EASTWARD EARLY THIS EVENING. AFTER THE COLD FRONTAL PASSAGE WESTERLY WINDS AROUND 40 KM/H WILL CAUSE LOCALIZED BLOWING SNOW WITH VISIBILITIES BELOW 1 KILOMETRE EARLY THIS EVENING BEFORE WINDS DIMINISH. IN ADDITION SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS ALONG THE LAKE ERIE SHORELINE FROM LONG POINT TO PORT COLBORNE AND ALSO ALONG THE LAKE ONTARIO SHORELINE IN PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY ARE EXPECTED TO SURPASS WARNING THRESHOLDS THIS AFTERNOON REACHING 60 KM/H WITH GUSTS TO 80 KM/H. WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO DIMINISH THIS EVENING TO BELOW WARNING LEVELS AS THE DISTURBANCE PULLS AWAY EASTWARD. MOTORISTS PLANNING TO TRAVEL IN THESE REGIONS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION AND BE PREPARED FOR DANGEROUS WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS IN WHITEOUT. CONDITIONS WILL IMPROVE THIS EVENING AS WINDS SHIFT TO WEST.PLEASE REFER TO THE LATEST PUBLIC FORECASTS FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

The public works building in Oswego, NY collapsed this morning under the weight of three feet of lake effect snow.

Wild lake effect

snow and bitter cold

It was a weekend of intense lake effect snow in isolated pockets around the Great Lakes. Hardest hit in Ontario was the area off Georgian Bay near Barrie and along the 400 series of highways north of Toronto. Zero visibility in heavy snow caused hundreds of cars to pile into each other closing the 400 for more than 12 hours. Several serious injuries were reported but no deaths. The same conditions forced the closure of Interstate 81 in New York from Watertown south to Syracuse after multiple accidents Sunday afternoon.

Over 3 feet of snow has fallen on Oswego County. The roof of the public works building in Oswego, NY collapsed this morning from the weight of the snow. No injuries were reported, but a state of emergency has been declared. At this hour I-81 is open, but heavy snow is falling from Watertown south for about 50 miles. Travel is not recommended. The squall will slowly drift north tonight and slowly diminish in strength.

Meanwhile low pressure will move into the Great Lakes form the US Midwest tomorrow. While it will warm things up in the temperature department from the bitter cold this weekend, it was minus 25C in Kemptville this morning, a general 5-10cm of snow can be expected in most areas including Kemptville, along with strong gusty southwest winds from 40-60km/h. Travel will be a little challenging at times on Tuesday.

Much colder air for the weekend

The light snow that is falling this morning will end quickly from west to east as the morning progresses. Around 2cm has fallen in the region. Kemptville is above freezing at the moment so the snow is actually melting off vehicles. The cold air will begin mixing down to the surface soon and temperatures should fall below freezing again. It will be windy this afternoon with gusts over 50km/h, so there could be some drifting snow in open areas. Tomorrow another arctic front will move through the area with gusty winds and another 5cm of snow. It could be nasty on the roads with strong winds at times and dropping temperatures. This will be especially true closer to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Valley. The colder air moves in behind that front with temperatures dropping to -20C Saturday and Sunday night before a slight warm up early next week back to normal temperatures. for a day or two.

Winter Storm Warning
for southern Prairies

A sharp arctic front is racing across the southern prairies this morning ushering in some of the coldest air of the season. The front is bringing rapid temperature drops and strong winds. Both Maple Creek and Swift Current dropped from highs of plus 6C early this morning to below freezing within one hour. Winds are gusting to 80km/h and light snow is falling - reducing visibility to near zero in places. The front will race east across Saskatchewan today and into Manitoba tonight. It will arrive in Ontario by Friday with similar results. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for southwest Saskatchewan today for 5cm of snow and very strong winds with plummeting temperatures. Lows will be near -20C with cold wind chills. Travel is not advised.

AP Photo of Green Bay, Wisconsin on Saturday during the

Packers 42-20 win over Seattle in a snowstorm.

Kemptville on western

edge of Nor'Easter

Kemptville remains on the western flank of an east coast snowstorm that is dumping 15-25cm of snow from southern New England into the Maratimes today. Light snow has been falling since very early this morning. We can expect a general 3-6cm by the time it tapers off tonight. The steadiest snow is occurring at this hour with some blowing snow. Winds are gusty around the deepening storm and funneling down the St. Lawrence Valley. The winds are gusting at between 30-50km/h, making it feel damp and chilly and blowing the light snow around.

Numerous cars went into the ditches on area highways today. Roads are greasy and icy in many cases. SLOW DOWN and clean off your car. No matter how many times we suggest both these things, many drivers continue to do neither. Adjust your driving to the roads.

The Kemptville Creek is over it banks at Curry Park this morning. A Flood Watch remains in effect for the Rideau River. Freezing rain and rain will taper to showers later today.
Photo S. Balena

School Buses cancelled in SD&G and Leeds/Grenville
Freezing Rain Warning

Winter has returned to the area with snow overnight, about 5cm in Kemptville, that is now in the process of mixing with freezing rain. The culprit is low pressure over Michigan and a warm front east into Quebec. Along the warm front snow and the freezing rain are occurring. I don't expect a large accumulation of ice, but enough to make roads slick. It should all change over to showers by noon with the exception of the upper Ottawa Valley which may have a few extra hours of the freezing rain.

It will be breezy tonight with flurries as the cold front attached to the low slides east. The weekend should be calm before another storm system makes Monday interesting. More on that later.

Galop Canal Road in Iroquois after strong winds toppled trees. ..J. Morin Photo

100,000 without power in Ontario
The wind storm that swept the province earlier today continues to slip east of the region with wind speeds lowering slowly. In its wake is considerable damage and power outages. With numerous trees and power lines down, power is out to over 100,000 Hydro One customers, including over 15,000 in Leeds & Grenville and S D & G Counties. Winds have been reported in the 60-100km/h range. The bridge from Prescott, ON to Ogdensburg, NY has been reopened after being closed for several hours after a tractor trailer nearly tumbled over the side, knocked over by the strong winds. Winds should slowly abate tonight.

Joe Morin Photos of the toppled rig on the

International Bridge over the St. Lawrence

Ogdensburg/Prescott Bridge CLOSED

Wind creates havoc in region

Strong winds of over 100km/h have been racing through the area today creating damage, power outages and accidents. The winds have gusted to 133km/h at Point Petre, 100km/h in the St. Lawrence Valley, 72km/h at Ottawa, 76km/h at Montreal and 60km/h at Kemptville.

The wind knocked over a big rig on the International Bridge between Johnstown, ON and Ogdensburg, NY closing the bridge to all traffic. Edwardsburg /Cardinal FD and officials from both sides of the border are on scene at this hour. The driver is bruised but well.

Iroquois Chieftain editor Joe Morin took the pictures above a little over 1 hour ago. He reports trees down in the region. The Hydro One website is reporting over 10,000 customers without power in the Province but with no exact details. On the New York side of the border, several 18 wheelers have been blown off Interstate 81 and over 75,000 people are without power in western and central New York. Jefferson County State Police are advising no travel in the county till further notice. Schools have been closed as well.

Wind Warning for Leeds Grenville

The bizarre January weather continues this morning. Kemptville is currently 12C only about 25 degrees above normal for a January 9 morning. Ottawa reached 10C yesterday breaking the record for the day set in 1955. It was day two of record highs and record high lows!

I went to bed with snow covered fields and now I wake up the proud renter of lakefront property. Water as far as I can see...with some snow still in banks here and there. The wind is increasing this morning in response to a cold front. Point Petre on Lake Ontario has just reported a wind gust to 133km/h and winds are fierce along the front on both sides of the border. Heavy thunderstorms have also been reported with the front in Buffalo.

A WIND WARNING has been posted for Leeds/Grenville and Lanark for winds in excess of 60km/h with gusts to 90km/h beginning soon/ The warning contiues east into Montreal.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH is in effect for St. Lawrence County in New York including Ogdensburg and the International Bridge area.

A Flood Watch remains in effect for the entire region, some minor flooding is being reported in fields and areas adjacent to waterways.

Fog on the 416 slowed travel...Photo: C. Hofley

What a day...and night!

It is 11C in Kemptville, 13C in Cornwall and 18C in Watertown at 1pm. Feels like mid-April when the sun comes out. It won't last, radar is showing heavy returns across central Ontario, and that thunderstorm and shower activity is moving east. So much snow has melted in the last 24 hours, it is amazing...I believe the National Weather Service office in Watertown used the words "obscene warmth."

I spent most of the overnight unable to sleep and listening to my police scanner following the Kemptville Fire Department as they raced water back and forth to a huge barn fire on South River Road just off Actons Corners Road. What a job they did shuttling water back and forth from Kemptville to the fire scene with the help of the Merrickville FD, Edwardsburg/Cardinal FD and Ottawa FD. The good news was the weather was tame by any standard let alone January. We had some thunderstorm activity earlier in the overnight. Then through the bulk of the fire episode, the fog lifted, the rain stopped and it was almost 10C. The fog and rain moved back in by daybreak.

The Fire Department in town are volunteers who give so much of there energy and time...kudos to you all. We are lucky to have you.

Rain and Fog along the rising Kemptville Creek

Minor flooding possible this week

It is currently plus 8C in Kemptville with rain and fog. The fog will continue through the evening making travel difficult at times, extreme caution is advised.

As far as the rain goes, it will become heavy over the next 24-48 hours as moisture streams north from the southern US. The rain and rapid melting of the record snow pack will cause rises in area streams and lakes. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority issued a press release that they are monitoring the conditions closely. They are advising people and especially children to stay away from all area waterways. While no major flooding is expected, home owners should monitor the Rideau River closely. With embedded thunderstorms, from 25-50mm of rain is possible over the next few days. Mild weather will continue as well. The entire snow pack many disappear this week, which is incredible considering we had over 50cm on the ground.

A big warm up underway
10th Anniversary of the Ice Storm
January 5-10th, 1998

A major warm up is underway in eastern Ontario this morning. You can actually hear the snow melting. As surprise introduction to the warm air was a quick shot of 5-7cm of wet snow last night in Kemptville that made roads nasty to drive on. The warm air will continue to invade our region till mid-week before a cold front brings us back to reality.

The warmth may reach record levels with highs at or above 10C for the area. Fog and drizzle will occur often as the air remains very moist as a result of the continuous melting.

The Ice Storm: The great Ice Storm is 10 years old already. The storm claimed 35 lives, created hardship for over 4 million people in eastern North America, but especially Ontario and Quebec. Over 3 billion in damages, the costliest natural disaster in Canadian history, 130 transmission towers down and over 120,000km of power and telephone lines needed to be repaired.

Whew, what a storm and I missed it. Only weather people can know how difficult it is for me to talk and write about this subject. When you are into weather you want to be where the action is. Not always possible, so when it comes to you...great. I had lived in Montreal for all my life at the time, 31 years. But just 5 months before the great storm I moved to Saskatchewan for work and had to leave my beloved Montreal. I had to watch from a distance of 3500km as all my family, friends and former co-workers struggled through it. All I wanted to do was be home, as a matter of fact I almost quit my job and came back east. That is a story for another day.

Anyway check out this awesome link by the Montreal Gazette about the Ice Storm...
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/features/frozenintime/index.html

BOIL WATER ADVISORY
FOR KEMPTVILLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE....

http://www.northgrenville.on.ca/

Here comes the January thaw

Right on schedule a major warm up is underway. At 8pm last night in Kemptville it was -19C, by 6am this morning we are at -4C. Can you say warm front? Along that front a shot of 1-3cm of quite heavy snow fell for an hour or two early this morning. That has passed now and we can expect a mild, partly cloudy day.

Beyond today the warm up will continue with temperatures approaching record levels by the middle of next week. Expect high temperatures to approach plus 10C. The evenings will still be at or below freezing so watch for icy roads. Enjoy the week because it looks colder and snowier by the middle of this month.

Keep in mind we have a tremendous snow pack around, in many cases over 55cm. That will begin to melt quickly, so make sure the sump pumps are working and that sewers and catch basins are clear of ice and snow.

AP Photo of the Day is Sydney Crosby of Pittsburg scoring the winning goal on Ryan Miller in Buffalo, NY before 71,000 fans at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The New Years Day game was the first regular season NHL game played outside in the US. The weather was pure Buffalo, snow squalls, breezy and dropping temperatures. Pittsburg won the game 2-1.

Blowing snow during yesterday's storm.

Storm Summary...

Another 15-25cm fell across the region yesterday with very strong winds. Today it is bitterly cold with northwest winds over 30km/h and wind chills in the -25 to -30 range. About 20cm of snow fell in Kemptville, with 23cm in Brockville, 25cm in both Montreal and Cornwall and around 15cm in Ottawa. Roads this morning remain snow covered in places and icy. Some blowing snow is occurring as well. There were numerous accidents yesterday across Ontario and Quebec. This morning on my drive in from Montreal, I counted over 10 cars in the ditches. Drive with care today, slow down.

Plowing Highway 15 along Montreal's South Shore on New Years Eve

Welcome to 2008
A New Year...same weather

Thank you for reading and making my blog reach 2600 hits on New Years! I am always excited about the weather, and being able to share that with you is amazing for me...thanks!

Well January will begin the same way December ended, with snow. Winter Storm Warnings are flying up and down the St. Lawrence Valley at 11am. Low pressure over Lake Erie will move to Cape Cod while deepening today. Heavy snow has begun and will continue into the evening on increasing Northwest winds. Travel will be rough today so if you can delay go tomorrow. An expected snowfall of 15-25cm is expected across the region from Montreal to Kingston and south into northern New York. Ottawa will receive less at about 10cm and is not included in the warnings.

The snow will be followed by some of the coldest air of the season. Ironically enough that will be followed by near record warmth next week. So just hold out till weeks end and we should see a thaw begin on the weekend. Indications are it could warm to 8C by the middle of next week!

Happy New Year....

Snow and more snow! It is no surprise that the month of December will end with a flurry, pardon the term; of snow. The month has seen record snowfall totals for many cities in the east including Ottawa and Montreal - records that were established during the fierce winters of the early 1970's. Ottawa has recorded over 110cm of snow with another 18 hours or so to go.

On that note, Winter Storm Watches and Special Weather Statements have been posted for the region. This mornings snow will taper off shortly after depositing around 5-8cm on the area. A more potent storm is expected to cross the lower lakes tonight and redevelop along the New England Coast Tuesday. Snow at times heavy will develop across all regions tonight and end late Tuesday. A good 10-15cm is forecast with a possibility of more south of the area into New York. Windy weather will cause blowing snow and usher in frigid temperatures by Wednesday morning. The watches may be upgraded to warnings so check the links at the left often today and listen to local radio or TV if you are planning to travel tonight or Tuesday.

Parade of Storms

to our east

Happy New Year....

A steady supply of winter storms will continue to affect the east coast of Canada and the US with heavy precipitation. Some parts of Newfoundland will have close to 100cm by Wednesday night. Kemptville and the St. Lawrence Valley will remain on the western edge of the storm track with 10-15cm expected in two shots between tonight and New Years night Tuesday. The first shot of snow will develop tonight and taper to flurries before noon Monday. The second batch will start early Tuesday and taper to flurries late in the day.

Snow Advisories have been posted for New England and New York, but our snow totals should remain below warning criteria. Temperatures will turn much colder from the middle to late part of the week. The cold will be short lived but I will save that news for another post.

The important thing to remember when travelling the next several days will be the very changeable weather. Expect snow covered roads and some reduced visibility in heavier bursts of snow, especially along the 401 and southeast into the US.

More snow tonight

Another round of steady wet snow and rain is on tap for Friday night across Ontario and into western Quebec. The snow should begin in eastern Ontario late today and dump between 5-15cm. The heavier amounts will occur across higher elevations and towards the Ottawa Valley. Low pressure is expected to slide from the lower Mississippi Valley into the Great Lakes and eventually Quebec by noon Saturday. Last nights storm put down between 5-10cm of snow on the region.

The precipitation will be followed by a mild Saturday and Sunday before more snow moves in for Monday and New Years Day. Some rain may mix with tonight's snow along the 401 corridor. This will lower snow totals greatly.

Canada's Top ten weather Stories of 2007 are out

by Environment Canada. You can find them at

http://www.ec.gc.ca/doc/smc-msc/m_110/toc_eng.html

Fast moving weather pattern

A series of fast moving but somewhat potent weather systems is poised to affect the area for the next several days leading up to New Years Eve. The first is crossing our region today with a period of steady snow. From 5-15cm is expected across the Ottawa Valley and eastern Ontario till midnight or so. The snow is falling now and roads have become slippery and snow covered in most cases. Patchy freezing rain is also occurring along the 401 corridor.

The next system will arrive late in the day Friday and deposit another 10-15cm of snow in our region. The final system in the trio will arrive Monday just in time for New Years Eve. This one may have a little more energy associated with it and we will have to watch it closely.

Flash Freeze Warning

After a very mild day across Ontario and Quebec a powerful cold front is crossing the area. Temperatures are plummeting and are expected to fall to -4C by morning from highs of plus 5 to 7C. Roadways across southern Ontario are freezing up. Accompanying the drop is strong winds from the SW at 50-80km/h. A gust to 90km/h was recorded at Port Colborne in the last hour. Kemptville is plus 5 while Kingston is -2 and snowing at 9pm.

High Wind Warnings are posted for the entire region with Flash Freeze Warnings for Ontario. Travel with great care tonight or delay till tomorrow.

Thank You Vicki for creating this awesome

Cartoon version of me being me!

Vicki is an unbelievably talented Graphic Artist/Cartoonist

on staff here with us.

You can see more of her work at the following link.

http://www.actofimagination.ca/

Here comes the rain

While I believe our white Christmas is not in jeopardy plenty of rain and warmth is on the way for this weekend. A warm front will lift north of the area on Saturday setting the stage for strong southerly winds and some showers. Temperatures are expected to soar to the plus 5 to 9C range across the area by mid-morning Sunday. After that a strong cold front will push through the area late Sunday with a rapid temperature drop and heavy rain along the front. Any leftover precipitation will change to snow Sunday night and then taper to flurries. Icing of roads is possible Sunday night. Winds along and ahead of the front Sunday will be very strong out of the southwest up to 70km/h possible.

We can expect between 15-30mm of rain across our area with the potential for rapid snowmelt. I like to call it the Hair Dryer effect when strong south winds are blowing ahead of a cold front. Needless to say it is important that you clear rain gutters and sewers and perhaps take any snow SAFELY off your roof.

Beyond that Christmas looks seasonable with flurries, highs will be around -3 or -5C. Around the Great Lakes, on both sides of the border, there is the chance of lake effect snow Sunday night and Monday. Keep this in mind in your travels.

Thank you so much for reading this Blog all year long. I have had over 300 hits in the last week alone and it means so much to me. Be safe and have a Merry Christmas. And please be good to each other and slow down!

A change in the weather patterns

We are about to see some major changes in the weather pattern across eastern North America. It will become milder into the start of the New Year. First however we are in store for more snow. A clipper system moving from the central Great Lakes will bring 5-10cm of snow to most of the region with closer to 12cm east of Cornwall. Snow Advisories are in place for northern Vermont and NY. On the weekend another storm system will approach the lakes again and this time move west of our area. This will place our region in the warm sector eventually. Any snow or freezing rain will begin late Saturday and change to rain into Sunday.

It will be very mild from 4-6C on the weekend. It will cool again for Christmas with some flurries. I will post updates as the forecast becomes more clear.

Record Storm moves east

The massive winter storm that moved through Ontario yesterday is well east of our area this morning. It dumped an incredible 24 hour snowfall on the area including 50cm at Cornwall, 40cm at Kemptville and 37cm at Ottawa. Montreal had 30cm but it is still snowing and Toronto 18-25cm. Numerous flights are cancelled at Ottawa Airport still and school buses in the city are cancelled as well. There is no place to park downtown so leave your car at home if you can. Be safe on narrow streets as well.

One final note on the storm, it was well forecasted from start to end. That being said we may have another one planned for next weekend, but dig yourself out of this one first.

Once again praise to the crews that are working 24/7 to ensure our safety. In a month that has recorded almost 100cm of snow or more in some cases, that has been no easy task.

Just a quick update to 9pm. Still snowing in the area with several heavy bursts left to go. We currently have 38cm on the gound or a whopping 15 inches of snow...unreal! Drive safe.

4pm in Kemptville, ON.

33cm and counting...

Heavy snow and near zero visibility continues across the National Capital Region and North Grenville as a fierce winter storm hammers the area. 29cm has fallen in Ottawa, 32cm in Cornwall and 26cm in Toronto, strong winds continue to blow it all around and temperatures have been very cold with windchills approaching -25C. The snow is expected to continue for another 6 hours or so with 10-15cm more expected. Winds will be in the 40-60km/h range.

Travel is slow, but the plows continue to stay ahead of the storm. Some thunder and lightning has also been observed with the storm. Winter Storm Warnings remain posted for all areas for tonight. Only emergency travel is advised. 6000 customers in the Winchester area were without power but Hydro One had since restored service.

20cm and counting

Kemptville 1:30PM

We have surpassed 20cm in Kemptville at this hour and it continues to snow heavily with another 15cm expected. Winds are gusting to 35km/h in Kemptville and up close to 60km/h in Ottawa. Travel is not recommended on the 43, 416, 417 or 401. The OPP have reported near zero visibility on area highways, and travel is very poor.

The heavy snow has been accompanied by thunder and lightning in many areas including Montreal. Low pressure over Ohio will slide to the Atlantic coast today while intensifying. The snow and blowing snow will continue into the evening before diminishing. Total snowfall will be around 40cm.

This is Montreal Trudeau International...

http://www.admtl.com/passager/services_aeriens/flightInformation.aspx most flights are delayed or cancelled at this hour.

Kudos to the North Grenville public works....

8:45AM Update....

Very heavy snow is falling in Kemptville at the moment with visibility less than 1km. Winds are gusting to 30km/h causing blowing and drifting snow. Plowing operations are underway but with the heavy snow it may be difficult to keep up with the storm.

A few indicators are suggesting a little less in the final snowfall totals. This is typical with major storms where "dry slots" can work into the center of the system and lower totals. I still feel our area will have the heaviest accumulations in the 30-50cm range but surrounding areas may be lower. We will have to let the storm play itself out today. Needless to say it is a nasty to impossible travel day in the area.

Kemptville at 7am...

Storm begins
The snow has started across all regions this morning with the heaviest snow just working its way into Kemptville. The snow will become very heavy with bursts of between 2-5cm per hour expected. Thunder has been reported in southwestern Ontario and Michigan so it is not out of the question. Several centimetres has already fallen here and winds are gusting to 30km/h blowing it around and making the -15C seem much colder. Visibilities are down already to 2km at Montreal, 1km at Ottawa and 0.8km at Toronto. Travel is not advised today by the OPP. There is a statement from Environment Canada at this link, that says it all


http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?onrm90



The snow should remain quite intense through mid afternoon with visibilities often down to less than 1km in heavy snow and blowing snow. Winds will increase to 40-60km/h and gust to 80km/h along the St Lawrence River. Total snow amounts by the end of the storm I believe will be between 30-50cm.

Snow moves in overnight
OPP advise not to travel 401 as 60cm possible

A massive winter storm is on our doorstep at this hour. The snow will begin in Kemptville and eastern Ontario close to daybreak Sunday and spread north and east. It will rapidly become heavy and a record breaking snowfall is forecast. Environment Canada and the National Weather Service forecasters are calling for 40-60cm of snow in our area. It will fall fast and be blown around by very strong winds up to 80km/h. ALL travel should be avoided tomorrow.

It is possible that thunder will accompany the heavy bursts of snow at times. The entire area on both sides of the border is under a Winter Storm Warning. There are no easy places to travel tomorrow and I expect air travel will be greatly affected in most eastern cities from Chicago to New York to Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. If this storm occurs as forecast it will be the most snow I have seen since the Blizzard of 1971 in Montreal that dropped 47cm in 24 hours. Stay tuned as this historic weather event continues to unfold. The links on the left are active and contain up to the minute conditions, warnings and radar.

Remember do not travel Sunday.

Storm could be historic in places
Winter Storm Warnings Posted...
Catchy title, it should be. Numerous indicators are suggesting one of the biggest storms in recent years. Computer models are showing between 30-50cm of snow for eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. Winds will be a factor as well gusting between 40-70km/h and even as high as 80km/h along the north shore of Lake Ontario. The snow will nudge into Eastern Ontario overnight tonight and last till late Sunday. It will be a very dry snow and easily blown around. There are even some suggestions that a lightning strike or rumble of thunder is not out of the question in the heaviest snow bands.

It is essential that you cancel travel plans tomorrow across Ontario, Quebec and New York/New England on Sunday. The most recent forecast path has the storm moving across southern New England, and introducing a little warm air in places along the St. Lawrence River with some sleet mixing in. Sleet could lower the snow totals.

I will post the next update close to 5pm and again around 11pm tonight

BIG Winter storm on the way

Winter Storm Watches and Warnings are flying across the entire region tonight as a potent storm takes place over Texas. The storm is expected to move towards Lake Ontario and spawn a second low pressure area along the Atlantic coast. With all the parameters in place including a powerful jet stream, it appears we are in for a doozie of a storm. Snow totals are forecast to be in the 25-50cm range across the entire area with 25 plus cm in Kemptville. In addition to the snow, winds are expected to gust between 40-70km/h on Sunday night. Temperatures will be very cold during the event and the snow will be dry and easily blown around.

Numerous agencies on both sides of the border are not recommending any travel Sunday and Sunday night. The snow is expected to begin in the pre-dawn hours Sunday.

Tonight gusty northwest winds have iced up roads, caused blowing snow and dropped the temperature in Kemptville from plus 1C at 2pm to -11C at 7pm.

Major storm for

Ontario & Quebec this weekend

Making plans this weekend? Have them completed by Saturday night because Sunday will be a stay at home day. A major winter storm is taking shape in the southern US plains with all the ingredients present for a powerful east coast storm. The low pressure will develop today over Texas and move to Pittsburgh by midday Saturday. A secondary low will develop along the middle Atlantic coast and become a strong Nor'Easter on Sunday. The combination of these two low pressure areas will produce heavy snow across all of eastern Ontario and Quebec, New England and New York and Atlantic Canada. Current indications suggest 25cm or 10 inches for all areas. Maybe even more here in the east. With the snow will be cold temperatures and gusty winds over 30km/h.

Winter Storm Watches are already in place for New York State and parts of Ontario. I expect these to be extended into our area by tonight or early Saturday.

Again tomorrow is the day for travel....Sunday will be a NO TRAVEL day.

Active weather pattern

The very active weather of the past week will continue into the weekend. A frontal system just south of the Great Lakes has been the axis for several winter storms. The latest storm dumped about 12cm of wet snow on Kemptville overnight. We now have around 20cm on the ground from the storms of the last three weeks. Another shot of light snow is possible tomorrow afternoon.

We then have to turn our attention to a potential major storm for the weekend. Low pressure is expected to take shape over Texas on the weekend and race towards the middle Atlantic sates. it will then move up the eastern seaboard towards Atlantic Canada and become very intense. It is way out there in weather world, but it could affect eastern Ontario. If it does, we would be on the extreme western edge of the storm and could expect no more than 15cm. But it is too far out to get into details. Stay tuned.

A couple of parting notes:

• Post Tropical Storm Olga is affecting the Caribbean and is expected to cross Cuba with heavy rains.

• The ice storm in the Midwest US had now been blamed for 24 deaths. Hard hit Oklahoma still has 600,000 residents without power.

10-15cm for North Grenville

The snow has started over eastern Ontario at 2pm and should continue until about midnight. We can expect between 10-15cm of snow in Kemptville. While Environment Canada has not issued any warnings, the driving should still be nasty. Roads are already snow covered and slippery. To the southwest over Lake Ontario, some rain and freezing rain is mixing in as well. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for upstate New York and a Special Weather Statement has been issued for our region.
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/warnings/SWS_bulletins_e.html?prov=on

AP photo of ice storm across the US Midwest yesterday. 6 deaths were reported with hundreds of flights cancelled at airports in Chicago.

More snow!

It will be a very unsettled week in the region with snow Tuesday afternoon till midnight from an Alberta Clipper and then again on Thursday. The system on Tuesday will bring 5-10cm to the valleys with as much as 15cm over higher terrain. The system later in the week may be a little more intense, but it will also have warmer air with it so freezing precipitation is possible. I will post updates on that later.

Our first concern is the 5-10cm falling tomorrow between 1pm and midnight in the region.

Plan your travel accordingly.

Please take time to remember the events of December 6, 1989

and lets all help to end violence against women.

Snow everywhere!

The snow finally stopped this morning in Kemptville

after about 36 hours or so. Around 27cm fell in all.

The roads are improving today thanks to the

hard work of North Grenville Township and

Leeds & Grenville County employees.

As you can see by the bottom picture of our work truck, which

I have to clean out, there is still mounds of it left.

The North Grenville Public Works Department were kept busy today.

Storm Update...

Snow continues to fall across North Grenville and east into Montreal. The snow should taper off overnight with just a few more centimetres expected in our area.

Here are some preliminary totals:

Kemptville: 20cm

Ottawa: 25cm

Montreal: 30cm

I will have more totals and an update tomorrow morning.

The main storm center has slid into western Quebec. A very low barometric pressure reading of 993 millibars was recorded in Kemptville at 8am today when the center of the low was just south of us in Upstate New York. It began to loose strength shortly after that. Roads remain snow covered and slippery, and 30km/h northwest winds are causing some blowing snow.

Sleet and snow dump 10cm on Kemptville so far
ALL Buses cancelled for Lanark, Leeds & Grenville

The snow and sleet started in Kemptville around 10pm last night. As I expected the heavy compacting sleet kept snow totals down, but we have an impressive 10cm on the ground. It would be more in the 15cm range had the sleet not occurred. Most weather offices on both sides of the border are scaling back on the forecast snow amounts as the main low begins to transition its energy to a developing storm on the east coast. A good bet is 15-25cm by the end of the day for all areas.

Blah bah blah what this all means is that the heaviest snow for Kemptville is past for the moment. It will remain quite heavy in Ottawa and Montreal for several hours still. Another swath of snow will accompany the back side of the storm as it moves through later today. The winds will also become a factor increasing from the northwest and gusting to 50km/h.

In addition snow squalls will develop around the lakes and some of these could affect eastern Ontario with brief bursts of heavy snow. To summarize it is not the end of the world, but it will be a nasty day on the roads, with gusty winds, varying degrees of snow falling from Kemptville in all directions and snow covered roads.

ALL school buses have been cancelled for Lanark, Leeds & Grenville, Ottawa and SD&G.

7pm Storm Update...

Winter Storm Warnings remain posted for Eastern Ontario, including Lanark, Leeds & Grenville, the Ottawa Capital District and Stormont Dundas & Glengarry counties. Warnings are also in effect for southern Quebec. Heavy snow and blowing snow is on our doorstep as the bulk of the low pressure area begins to slide east across upstate NY. Areas along the north shore of Lake Ontario and Erie will expect freezing rain and rain tonight before changing back to flurries Monday.

In Kemptville today we have had only flurries north of the warm front extending from the main storm center. Snowfall amounts by the end of the storm will be close to 35cm in Montreal and Ottawa with less - around 20cm in Kemptville and along the Seaway due to mixing of freezing rain. In all areas winds will be 30-50km/h out of the east tonight and then back around to the northwest 30-60km/h on Monday.

Travel will be very poor Monday so allow extra time in all our forecast regions OR delay your plans to Tuesday when conditions should improve greatly.

The next update will be later this evening followed by a complete update by 6am Monday morning...

Iowa interstate on Saturday

Travel very poor in Ontario

The winter storm has now begun over most of southern and eastern Ontario and will slide into Quebec later today. It is not snowing yet in Kemptville at this hour. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for all of Eastern Ontario, Southern Quebec and upstate New York. Forecast amounts through Sunday night will be in the 5-10cm range in our area with 20-30cm by evening Monday. I believe the amount in Kemptville will be around 20cm with several hours of sleet mixing in to bring down the snow totals.

Winds will be a factor as well gusting between 30-50km/h first from the east and then backing to the northwest on Monday. They may even gust to 70km/h along the Great Lakes and Seaway on Monday.

Needless to say all this will make for very slow and poor travel today and Monday. If you can do so delay travel plans in eastern Ontario and southern Quebec today. The storm has already slowed travel across the US Midwest from Nebraska north into Minnesota and east across Michigan and into Southern Ontario. The snow will change to rain south of a line from Kingston to Windsor today.

Winter Storm Warning

A major winter storm is on tap for our area on Sunday and Monday. A strong low pressure area will move from Kansas towards the Great Lakes tonight and east across New York State on Sunday. This system will result in heavy snow overspreading the area Sunday from west to east. Some mixing of sleet or freezing rain may occur late Sunday. By the time precipitation ends on Monday close to 30cm of snow and sleet is expected in Montreal, Ottawa and close to 25cm in Kemptville.

Winter Storm Watches have been posted for Kemptville, with a Heavy Snow Warning for Montreal. All areas of New York and Vermont are under warnings as is southern and western Ontario. Travel is not recommended tomorrow afternoon and night along the 401 and 416 corridors as well as southwest Quebec highways.

Next update by 8am Sunday....

Winter Storm Update

Issued 8AM Saturday December 1

The much talked about winter storm is on our radar this Saturday morning. Today is a great day to get everything done you need to do. Tomorrow will be a very different story across Ontario and New York and into Quebec by Monday. A Colorado low is developing and is expected to move towards Toronto by late Sunday. Very cold air is in place across Eastern Ontario and Quebec this morning. This cold air will not be displaced easily. It appears that precipitation from the storm will begin overrunning the area after lunch on Sunday. The snow will become heavy and last into Monday. While 10cm is the official forecast, 25cm or 10 inches is not out of the question for Kemptville and Montreal.

Winter Storm Watches are in effect for southern Ontario and all of New York and Vermont. They will be extended later today into eastern Ontario as the track of the storm becomes more defined.

The next update will be around 4pm today....The links at the left are always active. If the link is red or "severe" a warning is in place, click on the link to read the warning.

Prescott Street in Kemptville this afternoon at about 2pm.

Snow and more snow....

Icy roads today have led to several accidents in the area. Kemptville Fire Department has responded to at least 2 roll overs and roads remain icy. We had a snow squall move through about one hour ago and it dumped several centimetres of snow.

The next system is expected to move in late Saturday. Winter Storm Watches have been posted for southwestern Ontario, and I expect them to be extended eastward into our area tomorrow. The snow will be steady Sunday with over 10cm expected.

BIG Snowstorm on tap for Sunday

Deepening low pressure is expected to develop in the US southwest and head for Toronto by late Sunday. Very cold air will remain in place in Ottawa and Montreal and set the stage for steady snow and some freezing rain Sunday into Monday morning. While it is very early in the forecast we can expect at least 10cm of snow and maybe as much as 20cm.

Today an Arctic front will sweep the region ushering in cold air with strong gusty winds and around 5cm of snow. Wind warnings are in place for NY State as well as the shores of Lake Erie and Ontario.

Last night isolated squalls produced only flurries in Kemptville but dumped a band of over 5cm of fluffy snow from Merrickville south. The photo above is plowing in Merrickville this morning.

I will update the storm situation at around 4pm today and again often this weekend so visit us again soon and as always the links along the left side of the page are current.

Weekend Update

I was hoping the weekend forecast would be a simple one. It looked like the storm that was poised to sweep the area was going to be a cold weather event with snow and nothing else. As more computer models are run, warm air is being introduced to the storm. This always complicates the forecast by developing a snow/rain line usually very close to Kemptville and the Seaway.

So...here goes. First today. Windy, in a word. A cold front is moving through the area with gusty winds from 50-70km/h and some snow today. I don't expect more than a cm or 2 at best. Another front will sweep the area late Friday with more flurries and gusty winds. Saturday is fair, the ideal go out and shop day. Sunday will see snow developing and mixing with freezing rain. That is far as I will go today. More updates soon. Plan on poor weather Sunday.

Be kind to each other today!

Fast changing weather pattern

Expect many changes over the next few days in Kemptville and the Ontario/Quebec region. A series of fast moving storms and fronts will provide a range of precipitation from snow to rain and everything in between. Most of today will be dry. Snow will begin late tonight and mix with rain by morning. A few centimetres is expected. Tomorrow we can expect the showers to turn back to flurries late in the day as a cold front moves through the area again. Keep in mind regardless of the precipitation type, roads will be slick. The ground is now in the process of freezing and ices up quickly.

Beyond that a major storm may affect us late in the weekend, Sunday into Monday. I will post updates on this as we move closer to the event.

Yesterday's front dropped about 3cm on Kemptville. Southwest of us in the Toronto area and north along the 400, squalls created white out conditions resulting in two fatal accidents. Winds gusted from 70-100km/h along the front in that area. Remember that at this time of year and indeed all winter, the weather changes quickly around the lakes. Be ready for these rapid changes in road conditions.

Special weather statement issued for regions of southern Saskatchewan by Environment Canada at 8:51 AM CST Tuesday 27 November 2007.

Special weather statement issued for: City of Regina - Fort Qu'Appelle - Indian Head - Lumsden - Pilot Butte - Moosomin - Grenfell - Kipling - Wawota - Carlyle - Oxbow - Carnduff - Bienfait - Stoughton - Estevan - Weyburn - Radville - Milestone - Outlook - Watrous - Hanley - Imperial - Dinsmore - Moose Jaw - Pense - Central Butte - Craik - Assiniboia - Gravelbourg - Coronach - Swift Current - Herbert - Cabri - Kyle - Lucky Lake - Leader - Gull Lake - Shaunavon - Maple Creek - Val Marie - Cypress Hills.

An intense low pressure system will move across southern Saskatchewan today bringing 5 to 10 cm of snow with it. Gusty southeast winds ahead of this system will produce extensive blowing snow causing poor visibilities in open areas. Winds will become strong northwesterly over southwestern portions of the province later this afternoon producing more extensive blowing snow and reduced visibilities.The combination of cold temperatures and brisk winds will produce wind chills near minus 30. Conditions are expected to improve this evening.

Icy road sign near Lacolle, Quebec this weekend as

Thursday's freezing rain begins to melt.

More snow tonight
More winter weather is on our doorstep courtesy of a storm system over the Ohio Valley. Steady rain will change to wet snow after midnight tonight and accumulate 5-10cm across eastern Ontario and Upstate NY. The highest amounts will be over higher terrain. Roads will be icy late tonight. Temperatures will cool on gusty winds tomorrow dropping below freezing with more snow expected.

On the Prairies an arctic outbreak is underway with temperatures in the -20's across Saskatchewan and Alberta with flurries and blowing snow. Travel is poor along the Trans Canada Highway through both provinces.

Storm Totals

Here is list of the storm totals from yesterday's first snow. All in all it was a respectable storm for the first of the season. About 1 inch of precipitation fell in varying forms from heavy rain along the Great Lakes to heavy snow in the Ottawa valley and everything else in between. Winds were gusty in the afternoon and it turned much colder. This weekend will warm up with flurries, before more interesting weather in the middle part of next week. Stay tuned!

Franktown, ON 25cm
Lachute, QC 20cm
Cornwall 20cm
Pembroke 20cm
Morrisburg 18cm
Montreal 17cm
Kemptville 15cm (two day total close to 25cm)
Ottawa 11cm

Above: Kemptville at 7:30 this morning. Snow and sleet continue across the area

and will for the entire day. About 10cm has fallen since yesterday at 8pm.

Over 10cm in Kemptville
Still snowing...

Snow and ice pellets continue across eastern Ontario, west Quebec and upstate New York this morning. About 10cm has fallen in Kemptville with at least another 10cm today. Radar this morning backs this up with more bands of precipitation to our south and west moving into our area. Winds will not be a big factor in Kemptville, but will be along the 401 and in Montreal where they will gust to 50km/h.

The plows have been rolling all night in Kemptville, but roads remain slippery due to the falling precipitation. It will be cold today with temperatures staying below freezing. Care is advised on the roads.

Storm totals will be in the 15-25cm range when all is said and done. All in all an impressive storm for the first one of the season. I will post photos later this morning.

Heavy Snow Warning issued for
Kemptville and Eastern Ontario

http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?onrm90

The bulk of the precipitation will begin this evening and become heavy overnight into Thursday morning in our area and spread east into Quebec. Snow and gusty winds causing blowing snow are expected along with dropping temperatures.

FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON

7:35 AM in Kemptville on County Road 24

About 5cm of snow fell overnight in Kemptville

First Snow of season

Plows are out in and around Kemptville as about 5cm of wet snow fell overnight out in advance of the main storm system. The forecast has changed little from last night. It appears the low will slide south of the region by early Thursday. Light precipitation today will increase in coverage and intensity tonight. It is expected to snow through most of Thursday. Accumulations are expected to be 4-8cm along the St. Lawrence River, 5-10cm in Ottawa and Montreal and 15-30cm in the hills north of Montreal across the Laurentians. Winter Storm Warnings have been posted for those areas. Travel is already slippery this morning, and expect it to remain so into Friday morning.

First SNOW alert

The first widespread snow event of the season is expected over eastern Ontario and western Quebec Wednesday night into Thursday. Indications now are that rain and freezing rain during the afternoon late tomorrow night will change over to snow into Thursday morning on gusty northwest winds. Temperatures will fall Thursday and it will be windy with snow. It looks like 5-15cm (2-6 inches) can be expected throughout our area. This forecast will need tweaking as the rain snow line will be very close to the 401 corridor. Travel will be difficult late Wednesday through Friday morning. I will update this blog early tomorrow morning with any watches or warnings for the region. Keep in mind it is Thanksgiving in the US and a very busy travel time.

A special weather statement has been issued at: http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/warnings/SWS_bulletins_e.html?prov=on

Sorry but I have to put my faith behind the green for

Sunday's 96th Grey Cup. I was part of the

Green Nation for three years...they deserve it!

Storm on tap for Ontario
It looks like the first major snow event of the season is upon us. It is a difficult forecast with indications of a snow rain mix to start. The first storm will move through the area tomorrow with light rain. It will be chilly with highs no more than 4 or 5C. A cold front will sweep through the area late Wednesday with a second storm forming along that front. As the second batch of precipitation moves into the area on Thursday, it should be cold enough to support snow. The amounts are tricky to determine and will depend on the exact time of the changeover. Count on several centimetres of wet snow Thursday in the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Valleys. Travel will be poor. The wind will be very gusty as well.

I will post another update between 5-6pm tonight.

Snowstorm for Eastern Townships,
Adirondacks and Green Mountains
Prepare for Winter driving....

A fast moving low pressure area and cold front are bringing rain to Eastern Ontario this morning. As the storm reaches the east coast it will intensify tonight. Cold air wrapping around the back edge of the Storm will change rain to snow in all areas tonight. While only flurries are expected in our area, heavy wet snow is expected across higher elevations of New York and Quebec. Up to 30cm of snow may fall by Friday night. In Ontario Lake Effect Snow will occur off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay with over 15cm expected there. If you are travelling in both provinces or New England/New York today expect wet, breezy and changeable weather with dropping temperatures in all area.

Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for the northern Green Mountains and Adirondacks with Snow Advisories across Northern New York. Heavy Snow Warnings are in effect for the Beauce and Townships regions of southern Quebec.

High winds sweep Saskatchewan

Low pressure moving across central Saskatchewan has produced an impressive windstorm in the Prairies. The wind in Swift Current, SK has been blowing between 60-100km/h since mid day yesterday and continues! A peak gust of 104km/h was recorded in the last hour there. 100km/h winds were also reported at Moose Jaw and Lucky Lake. Winds will continue to howl from Alberta to Manitoba tonight as the storm slides east. Wind Warnings have been posted. They should diminish from west to east tomorrow.

SNOW hits east coast
I missed the forecast for our area...oops!

I must admit I am often surprised by how accurate I can be at times. It is actually scary. But boy did I miss the forecast for this past weekend and this week. I was expecting cool, breezy and even snowy weather in Ontario and Quebec. The coastal storm that struck the Maritimes and Gaspe just missed us. It meant sunny and very pleasant weather for Montreal and Ottawa. The snow, over 20cm in places, fell well east of our area. It included 21cm at Metro Halifax Airport. There were winds of 75-100km/h for the second weekend in a row. Power outages and dangerous roads were the rule. It looks like this weeks cold and white weather for Ontario will be delayed. But make no mistake it is on the way. I think next week we will see some action. Stay tuned.....

On the west coast, BC is being hammered today by a fierce storm with heavy rain on the coast, snow in the interior and 70-100km/h winds. Power is out to thousands of homes at this hour.

Lake Effect snow underway
Bands of Lake Effect snow with thunder and lightning are affecting Georgian Bay, and southern Ontario along with Western New York south of Buffalo. Lake Effect Snow Warnings have been issued for the counties of NY with a Special Weather Statement for Ontario. This afternoon winds are gusting to 80km/h along the north shores of Lake Erie and Ontario at Port Colborne and Point Pelee. Warnings are in effect for those areas.

A cold rain with mixed wet snow and gusty winds will develop tonight along Lake Ontario and in the St. Lawrence Valley and may work its way into North Grenville. It is the time of year that if it is wet treat it like ice...be safe.

Pounding surf from Noel on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina.

Noel worst Storm this season!
In an ironic twist in what was supposed to be a terrible hurricane season along the east coast, Hurricane Noel, possibly the last of 2007 - became the worst. What makes it ironic was that the storm was seemingly a weak and disorganized system from its onset. And yet the storm managed to kill 168 across the Caribbean, more than his predecessors and then blossom into a powerful extratropical storm that hammered the eastern seaboard from Florida to Newfoundland. Over the weekend the storm sent high seas and 100mph winds along the New England and Maritime coasts. At the height of the storm over 250,000 people were without power in those areas. The coasts were hit hard by storm surge flooding and damage was evident up and down the Nova Scotia coast. In addition to the wind, over 100mm of rain fell in areas and even snow fell on the western flank of the system, as much as 20cm in Northern Maine and western New Brunswick.