Winter weather watching tips

Although the emphasis is often on summer severe weather for severe weather watchers and spotters, Environment Canada’s Meteorological Service also appreciates receiving reports from the public about winter conditions which may threaten public safety.

These can include things like low visibility due to blowing snow, the rate and amount of snowfall, dense fog, and freezing rain. Areas such as Atlantic Canada and British Columbia receive far fewer summer severe events, but are battered by frequent bouts of severe winter weather and high winds in the cooler half of the year.

When weather warnings are issued in the winter, you can be our eyes and ears for your local area. But don’t forget - the dangers associated with severe winter weather should not be underestimated. You will find information on how to report severe weather of any kind in this section of the Severe Weather Watcher Handbook.

Keep in mind that you should never put yourself in danger to make a report. Treacherous roads and bitterly cold temperatures and/or windchills have killed many people.