The freezing rain in Canada caused massive power outages. And it's not over yet
Regions of the Atlantic coast are in trouble after another rainstorm. It was very cold, wet, and slippery outside.
Snowfalls and freezing rain were observed across Canada since January 16. Large amounts of snow were replaced by precipitation, and low temperatures turned everything to ice.
Power lines were damaged and more than 2,000 homes were left without electricity. Specialists from local power grid companies immediately dispatched emergency crews to repair the damage. There were no reports of casualties. At the moment, precipitation is still observed. Therefore, meteorologists warn of slippery roads and recommend speed limits.
On January 17 and 18, precipitation will continue, accompanied by frost, and snow storms are possible. After January 22, the sun will appear in the Canadian sky and temperatures will rise to 0°C.
Freezing rain and snowfall are common in Canada. During the winter and spring seasons, they occur quite often. The most widespread freezing rain was in 1998.
Twenty-five years ago, one of the worst natural disasters occurred: 35 people died, and about 1,000 were injured. The territories of southern Quebec and eastern Ontario experienced freezing rain up to 100 mm thick that lasted for 5 days. As a result, 3.5 million Quebecers — about 50% — and more than 1 million Ontarians and thousands of New Brunswickers were kept in the dark for weeks. During this period, twice as much rain fell as in one year. Roads were blocked because of fallen trees and broken power lines, cars were covered with ice. Almost no one could get out of Quebec, nor could they get in.
In one of his interviews, Justin Trudeau emphasized that in those days Canadians showed a sense of community, and compassion and welcomed neighbours, and friends into their homes, sharing generators and hot food.
