Jan 22nd, 2004

Major Squalls

 

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The storm started in the morning hours around 7AM or so and temperatures were in the mid -20's across most areas. This was incredible since it is not common for synoptic snows to fall at temperatues below -15C in mid latitude environments. Latent heat realese usually warms the air drastically or the air is so dry that all precpitation falls in the form of virga. This clipper system was definately something out of the ordinary.

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Heading out for lunch around 11:15AM, I ran into a friend who used to be on the school track team and graduated last spring. He now goes to the U of T. The snow also began to get heavy as an upwind LES band began to mix in with the synoptic stuff.
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Temepratures were around -20 at this time and the road salt had little or no effect.
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Waiting at the bus stop in -20C cold with a -35C wind chill really sucks LOL. The snow however made the humidity rise so it did feel a little warmer than it would have otherwise.
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LES streamer

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LES streamer

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Warnings from EC

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Snowsquall warning for
Vaughan - Richmond Hill - Markham continued
Numerous snowsqualls with dangerous whiteouts..Heavy snow and strong
winds continuing tonight.

This is a warning that snowsqualls are imminent or occurring in these
Regions. Monitor weather conditions..Listen for updated statements.


Very strong and well organized snowsqualls continue to extend well inland from Lake Huron and Georgian Bay this afternoon causing all sorts of travelling difficulties due to whiteout conditions from blowing snow and bursts of very heavy snow.

Weather radar shows the strongest snowsquall extending all the way from eastern Lake Superior across northern Lake Huron to near Southampton then southeast across the Dundalk Highlands to Markham and scarborough near the Lake Ontario shore. A second well organized snowsquall from southern Lake Huron is coming ashore near Goderich and extends southeast across Stratford to near Kitchener. A third snowsquall extends inland from southern Georgian Bay across Simcoe county and lake Simcoe to just northeast of Oshawa.

These snowsqualls will tend to move back and forth a little and cause rapid deterioration in weather conditions as they move in. Local snowfall amounts of 15 to 30 cm per 12 hours are likely under the strongest snowsqualls over the snowbelt regions with lesser amounts expected farther inland.

Reports of 10 to 15 cm of snow from the strongest snowsqualls have been received from as far southeast as schomberg with near 5 cm of snow in the Markham-Richmond Hill area early this evening.

Motorists should be aware that nil visibility in whiteouts from blowing snow and heavy snow can suddenly develop even if weather conditions have been clear with unlimited visibility just prior. As A result very dangerous driving conditions can be expected and Travel plans into these regions should be adjusted accordingly.

 

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