As we transition into December, Ontario is bracing for an upcoming winter storm. The weather forecasts have said that this will bring forth heavy snow, rain, and stormy winds to most of the area. This will make travel nearly impossible, and the possibility of power outages is at an all-time high.
Precipitation will be expected in the southern region of Ontario while the northern region may experience snow depth up to 15 cm in some areas. This is a highly risky time and people need to be careful and prepared for it as it may affect the health of people, especially children and elders. Staying warm is necessary and may be difficult in the anticipated weather but with the right preparation, it could be easier.
Patterns Of Past Winter Storms In Ontario
Ontario is located between the Great Lakes and the Arctic air mass. This makes it a flashpoint for extreme and diversified weather conditions. The winter storms in Ontario are due to a mix between the meteorological as well as the geographical factors. The storms can take any form such as Ice storms, cold snaps and snow squalls. We are further discussing these storms below.
- Ice Storms
Ontario has been through a number of ice storms. The most significant one, however, was in 2013. There were a number of casualties, several damages and a severe loss of the province’s resources. The storm lasted around 40 hours and more than 30 millimetres of ice and severe rain. This storm did not just stay in Ontario, it moved on to Quebec, Maine, Atlantic, New England and several other areas.
- Snow Squalls
When the chilly air of the Arctic goes over the mild water of the “Great Lakes”, snow squalls take place which is termed the “Lake Effect”. This results in severe snowfall in specific areas that causes over 30 centimetres of snow in just a few hours, highly affecting the safety of the public due to the road visibility being extremely low.
- Cold Snaps
When the bitter and frosty air of the Arctic dives toward the south, it results in extended periods of cold weather. The temperature usually drops below -30°C. The drop in the temperature poses severe risks to the health of the public and poses risks to the framework or the infrastructure of the area and negatively impacts the environment. Cold snaps also bring forth strong freezing wind which makes it all worse.
Impacts of Climate Change
In the past few decades, we have observed a remarkable shift in the past patterns of winter storms in Ontario. Changes in the climate globally have resulted in the shift of patterns as well as the severity of the storms. Our observation entails :
- Increased Intensity: The intensity of the winter storms has increased these past few decades due to the warmer air as it is more damp than normal which leads to higher precipitation in the storms. This has resulted in more ice storms than usual as well as more snow accumulation than in the past.
- Inconsistent Weather: The weather in Ontario has been inconsistent which causes more frost weathering in which the temperature drops enough for water to freeze and then increases again making the ice melt. This results in weakening integrity of the infrastructure, road safety decreases and the risks of floods are at an all time high.
- Milder Winters: the temperatures in Ontario have been on the rise, which means the winters are not as harsh as they used to be. Due to this, there are fewer snow-filled days in the winter and the rain as well as freezing rain events are increasingly frequent, especially in the southern region.
Recognizing or comprehending these weather patterns is severely critical for public safety, emergencies as well as disaster preparedness.
Staying Safe and Warm
During these winter storms, there are several things you could do to stay warm and safe. Preparation of all kinds is critical for all kinds of situations, let us talk about ways to prepare for safety and warmth in these conditions.
- Layering Clothes
One of the most important steps to staying warm in extreme weather conditions is to wear multiple layers of clothes. Materials such as wool, fleece and polyester are extremely helpful. As well as thermal socks, gloves and undergarments is a surefire way to stay warm. These minimize the loss of heat and wearing appropriate materials ensures zero penetration of the cold to your body.
- Preparation Of Homes
Make sure the heating systems of your house are serviced and ready to use before the temperature drops. Insulating windows and doors as well as closing the gaps or ventilations in your house is highly critical to retain heat. After these steps, ensure you have durable supplies such as flashlights, batteries and stored food in case of emergencies.
- Staying Alert
Staying informed and alert is extremely necessary. Keep a check on the weather forecasts and the news from proper sources. Avoiding travel during extreme weather conditions or storms is equally important as travelling in such conditions is highly unsafe.
- Managing Power Outages
Sudden power outages are a risk during extreme weather conditions as the energy sources are not reliable. Keep additional backup batteries and a generator if possible, but make sure it is placed outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Staying Safe Outdoors
The time spent outdoors needs to be limited to prevent hypothermia and pneumonia. If you need to shovel snow, take breaks in between to prevent strain as it can lead to problems for your health.
Power Backup in Storms : Bluetti Ac300 And Ac500
As we have already discussed, in winter storms such as this, the risk of power outages is very high. In these cases, we need to be prepared for such possibilities and ensure we have proper backup of power supply. The Bluetti Ac300 and Ac500 are reliable power stations. Both powerhouses have expandable battery capacity which makes them flexible to all energy needs.
They can also work with high-energy devices such as heaters and refrigerators. They are often compatible with solar panels and require lithium batteries to provide renewable energy.
Final Words
The residents of Ontario are already familiar with the patterns and weather conditions of Ontario. Taking preventative measures is the best way to ensure safety and warmth during these unstable climate changes.
Keep yourself updated on the news and the forecast of the upcoming weather storm in Ontario, minimize travel and make sure you are equipped with all the necessary supplies as well as supplies for emergencies and power outages such as the Bluetti Ac300 and Ac500. Prioritize your health in this storm and stay safe.
FAQs
How can I stay warm during a winter storm?
Wear layers of clothing like wool and fleece. Cover your hands, feet, and head. Keep your home insulated and check your heating system.
How should I prepare my home for a winter storm?
Seal gaps in windows and doors. Check your heating system. Stock up on flashlights, batteries, and food.
What should I do if the power goes out?
Use a generator or backup power. Keep it outside to avoid carbon monoxide. Have extra batteries and charged devices ready.
Is it safe to travel during a winter storm?
It’s best to stay home. Roads can be slippery and dangerous. Wait for the storm to pass before traveling.
How can I stay safe outside during a storm?
Limit your time outdoors. Dress warmly and protect exposed skin. Take breaks if shoveling snow.
