As in other parts of the world, winter storms are becoming more frequent and more intense in Canada, largely because of climate change. That may seem contradictory, given that scientists say the planet is warming due to greenhouse gas emissions from human activity. But in winter it means there is also more moisture in the air, as a result of warming oceans and evaporation, and that often results in heavier and more prolonged snowfall during the winter months.
Canadian winters can be fierce, bringing temperatures that are among the coldest on the planet -- dropping far below zero -- and they can last from November until early April, which is almost half the year.
For the homeowner, this means a number of challenges when you want to protect your property from storm damage and the safety threats, inconvenience and costs it can incur. Power outages are another real concern, as winter storms can take down the national grid or cause damage to localized areas through strong winds or heavy snowfalls. Transportation may grind to a halt as well, leaving you housebound and unable to get to work, your children to school and other places you and your family need to get to. In this article, we'll look at what you can do to protect yourself, your home and your loved ones when winter storms strike around Canada.
Understanding Canadian Winter Storms
We all know what winter storms can look like, but in certain places, like Canada, they can be harsh, if not extreme and difficult to bear. Typically, they feature strong winds, temperatures way below freezing and high winds that can topple power lines, cause damage to properties and make it impossible to drive or take other forms of transport, including planes.
Ice storms and blizzards can also strike during the long Canadian winters. They can be especially hazardous when you're outdoors, and also at home, and frequently trigger special weather alerts warning people to protect themselves and their properties.
As the Canadian government says on its website about weather conditions during the winter, and also summer: "Canada has one of the most severe winter climates of any country in the world. We experience a wide variety of dangerous weather conditions including extreme cold, blizzards and ice storms. Even conditions more typical of the warmer months such as heavy rain and lightning are possible in winter."
Also expect there to be freezing rain conditions during the winter in Canada. This is where rain freezes when it comes in contact with cold surfaces, like roads, vehicles and also power infrastructure and properties. Over time, a build-up of ice on structures becomes dangerous, potentially leading to collapse and other damage.
Preparing for a Winter Storm
Canadian winter storms can be devastating. The ice storm of 1998 struck in January 1998 and led to dozens of deaths. Critical power infrastructure crumpled under the weight of unrelenting snowfall and around 5 million people were left without power. Although such devastating winter storms don't happen every year, it's wise to be prepared, especially given the growing threat of climate change and more severe storms. Here's what you can do.
- Protect the Home
Stock up on essential items, in case you're unable to drive to the nearest store, as the roads may be closed or driving conditions too treacherous to risk attempting to use your vehicle. As winter approaches, make sure you have ample supplies of food that will last, such as canned goods; lots of bottled water; first-aid supplies, in the event someone is injured in a storm; and blankets to keep you warm if the power goes out and you can't heat the home -- hypothermia can set in if you can’t warm your body amid plunging temperatures.
Check your home thoroughly ahead of winter to make sure it's insulated properly, in the roof and window areas, and that you stormproof the property as much as possible. That means sealing windows and cleaning gutters so they don't become clogged and cause rain or snow to pool and create problems.
- Get a Backup Power Solution
Another crucial element when preparing for winter storms in Canada is power, or the lack of it. Being able to generate your own electricity when there's a power outage can make a massive difference when the winds are howling, the snow is building up and you and your family are trying to survive at home.
With a portable power plant, you'll be able to not only keep the lights on when a storm takes down the grid but also cook, charge essential devices like cell phones and keep warm with heaters. You can do that with a traditional generator that uses fuel or a more modern unit that harnesses the power of the sun.
Portable power options such as the BLUETTI AC300+B300K and Elite 200 V2 give you worry-free home battery backup that lets you run appliances and heavy-duty devices during power outages. You also get fast solar charging, even on cloudy days, so you never have to stockpile gasoline or other fuel, like with traditional power generators, or risk running out in the middle of a powerful storm.
And you and your family won’t be bothered by the noise of a fuel generator running, as well as having to deal with the pollution it gives off -- an important consideration given that you may not be able to open windows or doors during a storm, to vent exhaust gases from fuel generators.
Taking these sorts of precautions before winter approaches will help to ensure that you not only survive any brutal winter storms but can enjoy the comforts of your home even as the weather outside rages.
FAQs
What Is the Cause of a Winter Storm?
Snowstorms and other kinds of winter storms are usually caused by low pressure settling in an area. Moisture in the atmosphere then rises, and falls as snow.
Where Are Blizzards Most Likely to Happen?
In northern parts of North America and Canada.
What is the Winter Version of a Hurricane?
A winter hurricane is often referred to as a "bomb cyclone."
