At right - more street widening, this time in the Village of Manotick.


The week ahead...

The freezing drizzle and flurries of yesterday and overnight have moved east of Kemptville this morning. The fog has lifted as well, and cooler northwest winds are settling in. There should be some decent sunny breaks today and Monday along with temperatures at or slightly above freezing. Travel conditions will be ideal...

Computer models are doing a much better job now handling the next system. It appears we are in for a round of mild weather and rain Wednesday. Before the warm air works in we may see some mixed precipitation late Tuesday. The storm will develop over the Midwest US and head down the St. Lawrence Valley. As the system makes its way east of the area Thursday slightly cooler air will move in and light snow is expected Thursday and Good Friday and may last into the Easter Weekend. All in all an unsettled week for the last week of Winter 2007/2008.

Quiet weather pattern till....

Yep the end is in sight...the end of the quiet weather that is. Despite it being tranquil this week, it still managed to snow on three mornings and this seemingly endless winter continues. March 15 today and still no sign of spring. The snow piles remain very high. The photo above I took of crews attempting to widen streets in Kemptville yesterday.

A little snow overnight has greased up roads and this will occur again tonight. Tomorrow will be sunny and pleasant as will Monday. Then it gets interesting. A storm will be reorganizing in the central plains and moving northeast. It will pass very close to the St. Lawrence Valley late Tuesday or Wednesday with heavy precipitation and wind. The question is what type and how much, and that has yet to be determined. Either way it will be nasty because any rain now will increase the risk of flooding.

Stay tuned and be safe...

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

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

A much needed break...

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

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

From AM 1220 Cornwall...

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

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

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

Van Buren St in Kemptville...

Blizzard takes rightful

place in memory bank...

I have many special storms that I recall as I talk about the weather. The March 7-9 storm of 2008 will take its appropriate place on that list. What can you say about a storm that dumps 52cm on Ottawa, 39 of which fell in about 18 hours, one that dumps 45cm of snow on the Seaway including Cornwal with 15cm of ice in 7 hours and thunder and lightning. Add to that fierce winds of over 80km/h, hours of zero visibility, stranded drivers and power outages and you have a memorable storm. The only saving grace was it occurred on a weekend. Kemptville seemed to fare the same as the rest of the region. I have been able to measure in several spots and there seems to be about 13-15 inches of snow (32-38cm) on average. It is piled high everywhere. Begs the question will it all melt at once!

Storm Update
Ottawa 50cm, Montreal 40cm, Cornwall 45cm...

Unreal...Incredible...this was a storm for the record books, well forecasted from start to finish. The storm was caused by low pressure sliding down the St. Lawrence Valley. For that reason the hardest hit areas were from Ottawa to Kingston and northeast towards Quebec City. Many roads were closed last night in eastern Ontario and especially along the south shore of Montreal. Drivers were rescued by snowmobile in many cases. The wind was fierce with gusts to 82km/h at Montreal, 100km/h along the South Shore, 58km/h in Ottawa and 85km/h at Cornwal. Thunder was reported with the snow in Cornwall. The lowest pressure with the storm was around 986mb a formidable storm for sure. I was amazed by the duration of near zero visibility, 12 hours at Dorval in Montreal with less than 0.6km. It was even less across the southern part of the valley, close to zero. Transport Quebec and Provincial Police on both sides of the border were forced to close roads. They had no choice travel was impossible. Hundreds of cars were abandoned on area roads.

In addition over 84,000 clients were left without power in Quebec. Conditions will slowly improve today, but roads remain snow covered and blowing snow is a problem. The biggest storm of the year has also created chaos at airports in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa. Call ahead - but the first flight since late yesterday afternoon left Montreal at 8:30am this morning.

More details later today with my pictures as well.

Montreal's South Shore...

Massive winter storm underway
Blizzard conditions in Montreal

Incredible...that is how I describe this storm from my vantage point on Montreal's South Shore adjacent to Highway 15. Winds are howling at 75km/h, higher in gusts. They could gust to 100km/h tonight. Travel all along the St. Lawrence Valley is nearly impossible tonight. Snow is falling at several centimetres an hour with 30cm down in Ottawa already. Travel along the 401 is not recommended. Sleet is mixing in with even thunder reported. Look for 30-50cm over all areas by the time in ends around daybreak.

This is a dangerous storm with numerous accidents reported. Do not travel tonight unless it is an emergency......Wind Warnings have also been issue...winds may cause power outages tonight. In New England flooding is occurring in the south with ice and snow in the north.

Very dangerous storm on the way

Sorry for the delay on the update....I am on the road for some storm chasing....The latest winter storm is on our doorstep this evening with wet snow beginning over Ottawa and the St. Lawrence. The snow will increase in intensity through the night and become very heavy by Saturday afternoon and evening. Intense low pressure over Alabama will move north and pass just south of the St. Lawrence Valley. Montreal and Ottawa as well as the St. Lawrence Valley will be hit with 30-40cm of snow. Most of the heavy snow will fall from 2pm Saturday to early Sunday morning. Snow could fall at several centimetres an hour and with winds from 50-70km/h travel may become impossible along the 401, 416, 417 and 40/20 in Quebec. Thunder may also occur with the snow.

Winter Storm Warnings have been posted for all regions Ontario, Quebec, NY. The storm will come to an end rapidly on Sunday. This is a very dangerous storm cancel all travel plans from noon Saturday.

Storm Update....

Here is the latest this morning on our pending winter storm. First let me say that in an effort to simplify things to the general public, Environment Canada just complicates things more. Their terminology and criteria for issuing warnings and watches seems to change with each storm. I admire the forecasters there, believe me, it is just the policy that confuses me! Just my opinion. I like to be consistent from start to finish rather than confuse people.

So with that said here is my take on the upcoming storm. First expect a Winter Storm Warning to be posted at some time today for Ontario and Quebec (not sure why they are waiting for this). Keep in mind they are already in effect for most of upstate New York, if you are travelling in that direction. Snow will spread well ahead of the main area of low pressure developing over the Gulf States and reach our region late this afternoon. It will be light and wet with this first batch and accumulate 5-10cm by daybreak on Saturday. Conditions should improve for a few hours Saturday morning before the main area of low pressure slides by to our southeast. This second shot of precipitation will be heavy at times with strong north and northeast winds to 70km/h or higher blowing it around. Travel will quickly deteriorate Saturday. Travel may become dangerous to impossible Saturday night especially in the St. Lawrence Valley and 416 corridor.

Whew! By the time it all ends Sunday morning look for 20-30cm in general with isolated pockets of over 40cm from Cornwall to Montreal and around the Niagara area. The next update will be around NOON.

Of Note: Quebec March break ends while Ontario March break begins...add a snowstorm and the airports should be a zoo!

• Ottawa parking ban in the central part of the city for snow removal. ALL cars must be off city street, watch your parking today.

• Several counties, including Leeds & Grenville appear to be out of salt. Plowing and spreading of abrasives will continue, but don't expect black top until the sun melts it on county roads. Adjust your speed...

From AccuWeather.com

Winter Storm Watch....Posted for Ontario

A possible record breaking snowstorm is on the horizon for Eastern Ontario and Quebec. Low pressure organizing over Texas will race along the spine of the Appalachians while intensifying to a 988mb low (barometric pressure). The March 3-4, 1971 east coast blizzard had a 966mb pressure reading by comparison and dumped 60cm on the area. This will place the current storm is some very close company.

I expect snow to begin across North Grenville and here in Kemptville late tomorrow afternoon and continue into Saturday. It is not outside of the realm of possibility that 50cm could be on the ground by late Saturday with lesser amounts to the north and west. A mix of precipitation is possible over New York state. The upper Ottawa Valley may see a little less snowfall along with the GTA. It is still in the formative stages so some deviations in the path of the storm may occur changing the type and quantity of precipitation.

Travel may become impossible Saturday in heavy snow and blowing snow. Another update will be posted by 11pm this evening.

The next storm...

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

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

12:45 Storm Update

Ottawa has reported over 25cm of snow in the last 12 hours and it is still snowing. This now has become the second snowiest winter on record in Ottawa at 350cm with 441 the record set in 1970-71. Snow is still falling in Kemptville and will for several hours with blowing snow. Kemptville has had over 20cm of snow and ice pellets.

Above right is a photo by reporter Chris Hofley of another driver going too fast for the conditions and ditching it on the 416 northbound in Ottawa South. The photo below I took this morning of snow clearing operations at the Kemptville Mall. The pile on the right is now several stories high now with little place left to put more snow.

Another major storm is on the way for Saturday...stay tuned for that.

Accu Weather Image of current storm over New York State Storm Update 6:30AM...
10-15cm to date


WINTER STORM WARNING in effect...Patient is the operative word on the roads today. School buses have been cancelled once again in Leeds/Grenville and all off Eastern Ontario, as another major storm is over Ontario and Quebec. Here in Kemptville the snow started after midnight and changed to heavy sleet around 2am. This type of precipitation continues to fall mixed with snow. Around 10-15cm has fallen in most areas so far. The sleet is being driven by strong northeast winds with the storm. Both my automated anemometer and the one at Ag Canada are down so all I can do is estimate at this point until I get outside with my hand held wind gauge. Weather offices around Kemptville including Ottawa and Ogdensburg, NY have been in the 50-60km/h range with Montreal gusting to 71km/h. This is different from other storms this year for Kemptville where winds speeds have been down. It has been very gusty and has produced blowing snow and drifting snow. Radar returns continue to show the precipitation streaming north and it will continue to do so well into the afternoon before tapering off.

Whew! Beyond that...well rumors are for a powerful Nor'Easter (east coast US storm) on Saturday with a track that brings eastern Ontario the biggest snow and winds with any type of storm. The track reminds me of the March 15, 1993 Superstorm. But, it is early, lets deal with this one first....next update mid-afternoon today with pics I hope!

From AccuWeather.com

Winter Storm Warning...

The much talked about winter storm is almost upon us. Snow and freezing rain has moved into extreme southern Ontario near Windsor and will rapidly spread north and east overnight. A swath of 10-15cm of snow with gusty northeast winds will occur from Detroit to Ottawa. South of that line and especially in the St. Lawrence Valley of Ontario and NY freezing rain will mix in with the snow for several hours. There is the potential of 15mm or more of ice in these region leading to significant ice build up on trees and power lines. To put things in perspective - close to 100mm fell during the 1998 Ice Storm. This is no where as bad but still a significant storm nonetheless. All precipitation should taper by late tomorrow. In Montreal expect all snow with 15-30cm forecast. Travel will be extremely difficult along all area highways beginning tonight into late tomorrow.

Big Winter Storm upon us...

After reading several forecast discussions from National Weather Service offices in New York and reviewing our forecast this morning I am confident of one thing, we are getting a storm tonight. Now the tricky part what type of precipitation will occur?

The scenario is like this, a cold front is in the process of passing through our region this morning. In fact we are down to 2C here in Kemptville after yesterdays remarkable high of 10C. Ah the sound of running water and warm sun made it feel like spring was really here, albeit for just a few hours. The front is expected to stall through central New York. Along this front a moisture latent storm will move northeast and pass just south of the St. Lawrence Valley on Wednesday. Temperatures are very critical with this storm, and it is looking more and more likely that a significant freezing rain event will occur in the St. Lawrence Valley.

If I was a betting man, look for snow to begin this evening from Kemptville south and change to freezing rain overnight. It will remain as all snow north and west of this area including the Ottawa Valley. In all areas winds will become strong overnight gusting to 60km/h. For all areas close to 25mm of liquid will fall....this will be 15-25cm of snow or 15-25mm of ice. So you see...I was not joking it is a storm and a difficult forecast. One thing is certain it will not be a good day for any travel tomorrow across the entire northeast and Ontario and Quebec.

Winter Storm Watch: Ontario (these will be updated to Freezing Rain or snow warnings later today).
Winter Storm Warning: Montreal, Vermont and New York for snow, blowing snow and ice.

Icy commute - buses cancelled

It is another snow day across Eastern Ontario as school buses have been cancelled in all boards for about the 8th time this school year dating back to November. The news is good for the balance of the day as the freezing rain that has been falling since about 4am, is just about over. A light coating of ice has made roads tricky. It should become partly sunny and mild today behind the warm front with temperatures approaching 5C.

Beyond today a major winter storm will approach our area for late Tuesday and Wednesday. A new Winter Storm Watch has been posted for western and central New York state and this will be expanded to include all regions by late today or tomorrow.

The set up is like this, but keep in mind it remains a very difficult forecast, a cold front will slide across our area later today and stall south of our region tonight. Low pressure is developing over Texas and will lift along the front. The moisture latent storm will bring heavy snow and ice to all areas. The timing and type of precipitation is yet to be determined.

Stormy week ahead

Several low pressure areas will bring a difficult weather week to Ontario and Quebec. The forecast is very complicated at best. Here is what it looks like at the moment. Low pressure over Lake Superior will slide east towards the Great Lakes today and bring a round of freezing rain and showers to the area overnight and into Monday morning. The precipitation should become spotty in the afternoon Monday. it will be icy for the morning commute in Ottawa and Montreal so plan accordingly.

After this system winds down and moves southeast the cold front will stall just south of the St. Lawrence Valley. A more potent storm with widespread precipitation will move northeast into the region along this front by late Tuesday. This storm has the potential to bring heavy freezing rain and snow to the area into Wednesday. The exact details of this storm are sketchy at the moment but it will be a difficult travel week till Thursday. Behind the system much colder air will settle in by the end of the week.

Stay tuned...I will update the blog frequently as more information becomes available.

Cold morning gives way
to snow and milder

We have just come off the coldest morning of the winter so far in Kemptville at -27C, and on our “extra day” of winter at that. Let's here it for Leap Day....not!

More snowy weather is upon us. A low pressure area skirting across the prairies will slide across the Great Lakes and into New England tonight. To the north of the storm path a general 5-15cm of snow is expected. It will begin this evening in eastern Ontario, with the bulk of the snow falling overnight. Expect windy conditions and some blowing snow as well. Further south and east into Vermont and upstate New York heavier amounts of snow are forecast with 15-25cm falling from the Adirondacks east towards the Maine coast.

Windy and colder today...

The storm that was responsible for the 10-15cm of snow in Kemptville yesterday and overnight has pulled off to the south and east this morning. Most of the heavy snow stayed south of the St. Lawrence River with over 20cm in that region. Roads are snow covered this morning and light snow continues in many areas but should taper off shortly. The 416 & 401 are very slippery with a report of a snow plow on its side at the Morrisburg exit.
Winds are gusting to 50km/h behind the storm and it is a chilly -12C this morning. Expect a blustery day with some blowing and drifting snow before it clears out and calms down tonight.

Warnings Posted....

Environment Canada has issued Heavy Snow Warnings for the region from the Quebec border northwest to Winchester and southwest to Morrisburg along the Seaway Valley including Iroquois. Snow over the next 24 hours will accumulate 25cm or more. Warnings may be needed elsewhere depending on the track of the low. In Kemptville on the edge of the heavy snow 15cm is expected. Already close to 5cm has fallen to 10:30am

http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?on6

Storm Update 7am.....

The snow had started in our area this morning well in advance of the main storm center over Kentucky. The latest weather models suggest that the heaviest snow may stay just south of the St. Lawrence River. Certainly the warnings suggest this with Winter Storm Warnings in effect from the Ohio Valley to New England including all of upstate New York. The snow that has started will continue into tomorrow morning.

Total storm accumulations are forecast to be between 5-15cm for Ottawa and Montreal with 15-20cm for North Grenville, the Seaway and 25-35cm for northern New York and New England. Winds will increase overnight tonight causing blowing and drifting snow. Travel will be slow and slippery for the next 24-36 hours. The worst weather will be this evening into the overnight period.

The never ending winter continues!

Plowing the 401 east this past Friday near Cardinal.

The next storm is on the horizon

Details on our upcoming storm are becoming a little more clear this afternoon. The low pressure area over Kansas this afternoon is forecast to move northeast to Indiana and then towards Lake Champlain. The storm will introduce and extended period of snow over our area. The first flakes should begin in North Grenville and Ottawa by mid morning Tuesday and spread east into Quebec. A few centimeters will be on the ground for the evening commute before the heavier snow arrives. Overnight tomorrow into Wednesday from 10-20cm will fall from Kemptville southeast towards Cornwall and into New York. North of Kemptville less snow is expected. No warnings have been posted for our region at this hour, but a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for St. Lawrence, Franklin and Clinton County NY while it has been upgraded to a Warning for the rest of central and western New York.

I will update this weather event tomorrow morning. Plan for poor travel conditions on area highways from mid morning Tuesday through Wednesday for all of southern and eastern Ontario and southern Quebec.

The break is over

Another snow event is on the way for Ontario and Quebec. Low pressure over Nebraska early on this Monday morning will slide south of the Great Lakes Tuesday and across New York and New England on Wednesday. Snow is expected to overspread Ontario during the day Tuesday and reach western Quebec late in the day. The snow may become heavy overnight and into Wednesday. On the back side of the system winds will increase from the northwest and it will become colder. It appears that between 10-15cm of snow will fall in all regions, that is just below warning criteria, but subject to change.

In New York and New England, which are closer to the storm track a Winter Storm Watch has been posted. There is also the risk of freezing rain closer to the storm track.
I will post an update on this weather event by 5pm this evening.

Lunar Eclipse - a spectacular show

It was a beautiful, crisp and cold night for star gazing in eastern Ontario last night. I braved the chilly -16C temperatures in Kemptville and looked skyward for quite a show. It began shortly before 9pm and lasted till after midnight. I only attended between 9 and 10pm before frostbite began to settle in. I snapped several photos with my digital and the help of a tripod, and I was quite pleased with what turned out. The images were not the same as what I was seeing through the binoculars, but good nonetheless.

The first photo is the moon rising just after 6pm EST in Kemptville,

followed below by near totality at about 10pm EST.

Clear skies for lunar eclipse

I am expecting skies to be clear for the lunar eclipse that begins tonight after 8pm and will reach totality between 10pm and 11pm here in the east. Expect it to be cold and clear in Kemptville, the Seaway and eastern Ontario and western Quebec, perfect viewing conditons.

Of Note: I have had to delete a couple of my archived posts and turn of the comments option because of some technical issues. I encourage anybody who has a comment or question to contact me at the paper...thanks for reading

Quiet week in Kemptville

Lunar Eclipse this Wednesday

Sorry folks for the lack of new info, it was not a busy weekend but the time still seemed to slip away from me. Too much time watching NASCAR I guess. Glad the boys are back.

Anyway after yesterdays awesome plus 8C and melting snow, we are back to reality this morning with much colder air and snow squalls, it is windy and -5C in Kemptville at this hour. A stubborn area of snow has developed just north and west of Ottawa this morning and has deposited several centimeters of snow. It should taper this afternoon. Radar is also showing snow squalls moving inland along the 401 west of Brockville towards Napanee. There is snow and blowing snow being reported at Kingston. Travel it that area could be tricky today. Looking south along Interstate 81 lake effect snow is falling there as well in Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego Counties. Travel along I-81 is not advised.

The balance of the week is expected to be fair but chilly with just scattered snow showers in Kemptville. I don’t expect any big storms through Thursday.

A lunar eclipse of the full snow moon is going to take place this Wednesday night.
From the Old Farmers Almanac Website, the following information - The entire eclipse can be seen from eastern and central North America. The Moon enters Earth's umbral shadow on February 20 at 8:43 P.M. EST, and the eclipse becomes total at 10:01 P.M. EST. Totality ends at 10:52 P.M. EST, and the umbral phase ends at 12:09 A.M. EST on February 21. Enjoy it, skies should be clear enough in Kemptville to see it, just dress warm.

Above: ValleyWx Pic of the hard working North Grenville Public Works yesterday morning.

Can we talk about something
other than snow....please!

Happy Valentines Day!

It has been a tough week…..for many reasons. It has prevented me from writing as much as I would like to. The snow continues to be the main story. The banks are so high it is becoming dangerous for both pedestrian and drivers. The crews are exhausted, plowing almost every second day. The most recent snowfall yesterday dumped 10-20cm of snow on the region. This has pushed Kemptville close to the 200cm mark with Ottawa at 274cm and Toronto at 148cm including 70cm this month alone.

More is on the way. An Alberta clipper will bring 5-10cm to the region overnight tonight. On Sunday a very potent storm will approach the Great Lakes. Computer runs are a little off on whether snow or rain will fall. Bet on a mix of precipitation - heavy at times with strong winds from Sunday noon till Monday night in the area. It is our first Family Day in Ontario. Good day to sleep in and maybe see a movie.

Be safe…more details soon on the upcoming storm.
Below is snow clearing operations in Ottawa from the Ottawa Citizen

Winter 2007/2008 will not ease!
More snow on the way....

Hey folks sorry for the lack of updates this weekend, I was busy taking in the sights and sound of Winterlude in Ottawa. It was, well, winter....breezy, chilly and snowy.

Environment Canada has had a rough go of it lately having trouble with the last several forecasts....they have not issued any warnings yet for this next system, not sure why.
Another blast of wintry weather is on the way for our region. This is occuring rapidly on the heels of the arctic front that raced through the region this past weekend. Many areas of the province and into the northeast were affected by strong winds and blowing snow.Several roads around the lakes were blown closed. The wind has eased this morning but replaced with spine chilling cold. It is currently -24C in Kemptville.

The next in a steady parade of winter storms to affect the province is developing in the lower Mississippi Valley. The system will race northeast towards New York State and then east into the Atlantic. Our region will be on the northern edge of the storm. We can expect a chilly northeast wind to develop today followed by snow after the supper hour tonight. The snow will be steady overnight and taper off by noon on Wednesday. Expect 10-15cm of snow over most areas. While no warnings are in effect yet in Ontario, they have been posted for all of New York state where a Winter Storm warning is in effect for 15-20cm of snow.

Cornwall News from
AM 1220 (listen live here)
Special Weather Statement, Vehicles In Ditches
February 07, 2008 — Hours after Cornwallites have been dealing with blowing and drifting snow Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the region. It says the storm system moving into the northeastern U.S. is producing blowing snow and near whiteout conditions at times. Some areas around the Cornwall area will see nearly 10 centimeters of snow by noon today. Motorists are being encouraged to drive extremely carefully as dangerous driving conditions may occur. An AM1220 listener in Ingleside believes they've received nearly 15 centimeters of snow and says there's extensive blowing and drifting in the area. Another listener in Maxville says she's seen several cars in the ditch. County Road 34 just north of Alexandria is down to one lane this morning after a tractor-trailer went in the ditch. The driver escaped injury.

From ValleyWeather....about 12cm in on the ground in Kemptville with

considerable blowing and drifting as the photo below taken at 8am shows.

Storm Update Thursday 7am...

It was going to be a very difficult forecast as several areas of low pressure were affecting the province yesterday into this morning, and it was. Snow, freezing rain and even some rain affected all areas from Kingston to Windsor. There was even thunder and lighting in several areas near Lake Ontario. Overnight winds turned out of the northeast in Kemptville and began gusting up and over 30km/h. The snow began here in the wee hours, and several centimetres (hard to measure because of the drifts) are on the ground with close to 10cm expected by the end of the day. It is not a big storm by any stretch, but it appears to be enough to have cancelled all the busses once again. I just don't remember this many snow days as a kid, and the storms were so much worse, not just guessing, I have the data to back it up, they were worse!

Needless to say with the much colder temperatures this morning and the gusty winds, what has fallen is blowing around and travel is less than comfortable. Many cars are in the ditch on the 416. You will need extra time in the 401/416/417 corridors. The heaviest snow is just about over and all the snowfall should end by noon or so.

TORNADO UPDATE: The death toll in the southeast tornadoes is at 55. In many cases entire towns were destroyed. The damage is so extensive, it is hard to believe these are February storms. Reps from the National Weather Service will be on the ground examining the damage, I imagine there were a couple of F-5 tornadoes among the dozens of reported storms. It was one of the biggest single day outbreaks of tornadoes in years and ranks up there among the all time events. Sad way to begin the severe storms season..and early.

Round one over round two set
The snow continues in eastern Ontario this morning but has tapered off in Toronto. In all 10-20cm fell in southwest Ontario with just 2-4cm in Kingston, Kemptville and Ottawa overnight. A break in the precipitation is expected today before more heavy snow crosses the province tonight. Expect another 10-20cm of snow across our regions. Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for southern Ontario from Kingston to Windsor. Menwhile Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for upstate New York. Some areas near Lake Erie reported heavy freezing rain overnight with significant ice accreation.

Meanwhile the same system spawned a record number of tornadoes across the southeast US yesterday killing at least 47 people. Dozens of thunderstorms swept across Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennesse and Kentucky. Hundreds are injured. http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/02/06/tornadoes/index.html

I love this photo of an old Long Sault fire truck taken at Rideau Auction in

Winchester during the height of Friday's storm.

This truck is available this weekend February 16 in Winchester.

The sale starts at 9am.

More snow on the way
Another winter storm will affect southern Ontario and New York State with snow and freezing rain. Low pressure over Oklahoma will move to Ohio and pass south of the lower lakes. It should just brush our area tomorrow. We are expecting 10-20cm of snow over most regions with only 5cm or so in Kemptville. There remains plenty of uncertainty with the storm track so warnings may be extended north and east. Currently they are in effect from Kingston to Windsor and south into St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties in New York.

Another round of snow on the way

Snow and freezing rain overnight have left roads icy and slow this morning. The bulk of the precipitation has ended at this time in Kemptville. Freezing Rain Warnings are in effect but will be lifted shortly. Meanwhile the mild air that was expected today will have a nearly impossible task, as it did last week, of removing the cold air from the valleys. We were expecting a high of 11C today, but we will be lucky to reach 3 or 4C. It is currently -2C in Kemptville.

Tonight colder air will begin invading the region again as low pressure takes shape over the Ohio Valley. Winter Storm Watches have been posted again for this new event in Ontario for tomorrow. A band of precipitation will bring from 5-15cm of snow and ice from Windsor to Montreal and Ottawa. Later forecasts today will allow us to be more specific on exact amount and warnings for the particular regions in the province.

ValleyWeather valleyweather.blogspot.com

Stormy week ahead
Mild at first then turning cold
FREEZING RAIN WARNING FOR OTTAWA VALLEY
A very mild and rainy Tuesday is expected before much colder air floods into the region on Wednesday. This evening expect a warm front to approach and lift north of the area by morning. Any snow or frozen precipitation that develops after midnight will switch quickly to rain by daybreak with temperatures warming to plus 5 to 8C tomorrow. Several hours of light freezing rain or drizzle is possible along highways 417 and 7.

Another much stronger low will take shape in the Ohio Valley and move just south of our area on Wednesday. With colder air moving in, expect snow with this system. The snow could be significant, we will have to watch this forecast carefully. In the short term enjoy the mild weather and make sure once again that all drainage areas are clear of snow, ice and debris, & that sump pumps are working.

Groundhog Day 2008

Punxsutawney Phil in his 122nd year in Pennsylvania has seen his shadow and has thus predicted at least six more weeks of winter!!

You can veiw the entire event at http://groundhog.visitpa.com/

Meanwhile Wiarton Willie has not seen his shadow and is predicting an early spring!
http://www.southbrucepeninsula.com/index.cfm?member=willie


Storm Update: Yesterday's storm has moved off to the east leaving behind icy roads and trees and just a few flurries. Between 20-25cm of snow and ice fell in Kemptville, with 26cm at Montreal, 32cm at Ottawa, 25cm at Cornwall and 29cm at Quebec City.

Maggie B. Photo of a Leeds & Grenville County road crew

plowing the traffic circle on Hwy 43 in Kemptville.

5pm Storm Update

A mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow continues across eastern Ontario at 5pm. Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for all regions until overnight when they will expire. Total snowfall so far is around 12cm in Kemptville with sleet, 15cm in Ottawa and 11cm in Toronto. Eastern Ontario will contiue to see the heaviest precipitation well into this evening with another 10-15cm of snow/sleet expected. In addition winds are gusting from 30-50km/h causing blowing snow. The storm is over Lake Erie and moving northeast towards Montreal.

Storm Update to 10:49am

The heavy snow is just about into North Grenville. The snow began around 8:30 this morning and has been light. However heavy snow at the rate of 2cm or more an hour is just to our southwest. Both Kingston and Watertown, NY are down to less than 1km visibility in Heavy Snow.
Winds are gusty out of the east at 20-40km/h and will increase. Roads are snow covered and slippery and will not improve for the rest of the day. The snow will mix with freezing rain along the 401 this afternoon.

Winter storm on our doorstep

A major winter strom has begun over southern Ontario and is progressing northeast. Heavy snow and freezing rain are forecast today in a wide swath from south of the lakes to Quebec and New England. Weather Warnings are in place in all areas and extended travel is not recomended. At least one inch or 25mm of precipitation is expected in varying forms. If your area remains as snow, like Ottawa a 25-30cm snowfall is forecast. Areas that mix with and change to sleet and freezing rain will have less. There is great concern with this system that more than half of the precip may fall as freezing rain. The duration and intensity of the freezing rain in places along the 401 and near Niagra may be heavy enough to cause some damage.

Travel with great care today or avoid till tomorrow along the 401/416/20 and 417 corridors. If travelling south the same applies till you reach the Pennsylvania border.

In all areas winds will be gusty out of the northeast from 40-70km/h.

Photo by Kevin Farnsworth of PEI Ice Storm

Winter Storm Warning in effect...

Low pressure developing over the deep southern US will move northeast and slide south of the St. Lawrence River tomorrow. Deep moisture accompanying the storm will overspread all areas early tomorrow morning and become heavy at times. A general snowfall of 10-20cm is expected in Kemptville, Ottawa, The Seaway and Montreal before the precipitation mixes with or changes to freezing rain. Winds will be gusty out of the east & southeast at speeds of up to 70km/h. Travel be be extremely difficult in all areas tomorrow.

Another storm on the way...

After the wind and ice of yesterday, another winter storm is poised to hit Ontario Friday. A WINTER STORM WATCH has been posted for all of southern Ontario including Kemptville and southern Quebec as well. Snow will spread from west to east Friday becoming heavy in the afternoon. Freezing Rain and sleet are possible along the 401 corridor. Estimates currently are for 15-25cm of snow. The exact track of the storm will determine where warnings are needed later today. Tomorrow will be another difficult travel day in our area, plan your driving accordingly.

Meanwhile it was -59C in Uranium City, Sask yesterday, not a mistake or with the wind, for the coldest temperature on the continent. The extreme cold will ease in the southern Prairies today.

Above: PEI is in a state of emergency after two days of freezing rain. Power lines, poles and trees have toppled. Power is out to a major portion of the island and shelters have been set up.

Gusts to 100km/h knocked over this truck on the New York State Thruway

Squalls continue...


The winds continue to howl across Ontario and Quebec as well as New York State today. As of 4pm wind warnings remain in effect in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville. Snow squalls have been affecting our area all day with the most intense along the 401 from Cornwall to Trenton. These should subside later today. They are also occurring along I-81 near Watertown and in the Buffalo area. Lake shore flooding that occurred in Buffalo and Niagara has also began to recede as winds taper.

Hydro One is reporting 16,000 without power in the province down from 50,000 earlier today.

Our attention will now turn to the next developing storm that could bring snow to our area by Friday. A general 10-20cm may fall. More details tomorrow morning.

Squalls put down 2-5cm of snow in Kemptville today.

Prescott Street at 9am as the front raced through.

Now the wind and snow

The warm air finally, but briefly invaded Kemptville this morning, not before yours truly took a header on the ice. It was brief however because a line of snow and 60km/h winds has dropped temperatures back below freezing in Kemptville. We are currently at -2C and dropping.

The front has forced OPP to restrict travel across the International Bridges at both Cornwall and Ogdensburg. Trucks that are empty, have tarps, busses, cube vans, or high profiles are not being allowed across at this time.

Impressive winds and temperature drops have occurred along the frontal passage. In Windsor it was plus 9C at midnight and dropped to -13C in a few hours with drifting snow and 65km/h winds. In Port Colborne, the wind howled out of the southwest at more than 125km/h. Warnings remain posted. It will be an icy slow day province wide, so travel with care. Power is also out to over 50,000 homes according to Hydro One.

Below: Kansas City, MO. is in the teens Fahrenheit

while St Louis, MO. hit a record high of 73F.

A profile of a wicked cold front.

School Buses cancelled SD&G and Lanark, Leeds & Grenville
A mix of weather for the region

Cold air remains stubbornly in place this morning over the valley's of eastern Ontario and thus freezing rain continues to fall, in some cases quite heavily along an advancing arctic front. Kemptville is still at 0C and rain has been falling for several hours. The cold front is just to our west with damaging winds increasing to 60-100km/h and gusts to 120km/h expected along the shores of lakes Ontario and Erie.

A 10-15 degree temperature drop accompanies this front along with a rapid freeze and bursts of snow. Plan your travel accordingly today it will be nasty at times on area roads. There were several serious accidents yesterday as motorists did not adjust their speed to the icy roads.

High Wind Warning
Flash Freeze Warning... http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?onrm90

Flash Freeze and strong winds on the way

Cold air is having a difficult time this evening leaving the valley's of eastern Ontario. Therefore the Freezing Rain Warning remains posted for Ottawa. A new batch of rain from Michigan is sliding east and will enter the area later this evening. The temperature should slowly rise above the freezing mark this evening, briefly. Any precipitation that falls could freeze locally.
Icing this morning led to several serious accidents in the region Travel with care the remainder of the day. By morning a strong arctic front will be racing across Ontario with powerful winds and snow squalls. Winds will be in the 60-110km/h range with 60 or 70km/h winds expected in Kemptville. The front should arrive her by early morning. Behind the front temperatures will plummet to -10C or colder in just a few hours along with biting wind chills. Any snow that falls will be blown around reducing visibilities. The wind is expected to be strong enough to cause damage especially in the St. Lawrence Valley. Wind Warnings have been posted for all regions on both sides of the border as well as a flash freeze warning for southern and eastern Ontario. Travel will be poor especially for the first part of the day.

Freezing Rain & Wind for Kemptville

A Freezing Rain Warning has been posted for Kemptville as a band of precipitation slides east into the area this morning till about 11am or so. The freezing rain should last for several hours across the region. As the warm front lifts north any precipitation will taper to showers.

A strong arctic cold front will begin crossing the area overnight tonight and be accompanied by 60-100km/h winds and some snow. The front will be similar to the wind storm on January 9th that cut power to over 250,000 homes in the province. It should reach Kemptville by mid morning. Behind the front temperatures will plummet to -10C by the end of the day.

Blizzard across Prairies
Kemptville in store for freezing rain then wind

An arctic cold front is racing across the Prairies today with tremendous temperature drops and blizzard conditions. Winds are gusting to 70km/h producing white out conditions and dangerous wind chills. 5-10cm of snow is falling with this system. It has dropped from plus 2C in Swift Current to -28C with a windchill of -47C. The dangerous front is racing across Saskatchewan after plunging Alberta into the arctic deep freeze. Temperatures are in the middle -30's in Alberta. Next in line will be Manitoba where warnings have been posted.

The leading edge of the system will bring Freezing Rain to parts of Ontario tomorrow. Warnings are expected to be posted in our area shortly after being issued for central and southern Ontario at 3pm. The rest of the week will be active with a strong windstorm possible along the arctic boundary on Wednesday followed by snow Friday. The winds may be as strong as the January 9th windstorm that produced damage, accidents and power outages.
Stay tuned for more exact details later this evening or early tomorrow morning. Watch the links on the left for any WARNINGS.

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.