When the storm closes the road.
A blizzard isn't just heavy snow — it's a wind and visibility event. An ice storm can pull down a whole regional grid in a night. The two countries agree on the danger and disagree, quietly, on the thresholds.
Watch · Warning · Blizzard criteria.
The NWS issues Winter Storm Watches and Warnings for heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain. A Blizzard Warning requires sustained winds or gusts of 35 mph+ with visibility under ¼ mile for 3+ hours. Ice Storm Warnings flag ¼ inch or more of ice accretion.
Winter storm, blizzard, snow squall.
ECCC issues Winter Storm Warnings for combined hazards, Blizzard Warnings on similar wind/visibility criteria, and specific Snow Squall Warnings for narrow, intense bands off the Great Lakes. Freezing rain warnings are issued separately.
Active alerts right now.
Point-based lookup covers US zones only. Canadian users: browse alerts by hazard below.
One or more upstream feeds are temporarily unavailable. Check the source links below.
If an alert covers you.
- →If travel isn't essential, don't. Most winter storm deaths happen on the road.
- →Keep a car kit: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, shovel, flashlight, sand or kitty litter.
- →During a power outage, never run a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors — carbon monoxide is silent.
- →Watch for frostbite: numb, waxy skin on cheeks, nose, fingers, toes. Rewarm slowly.
- →Check on neighbours with disabilities, seniors, and anyone on electrically-powered medical equipment.