A second major winter storm in less than a week wreaked havoc across Quebec and Ontario this past weekend, dumping heavy snow and causing widespread disruptions. City crews, already stretched thin from previous storms, struggled to keep up with the relentless snow accumulation. The storm, which forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights, left many passengers stranded, including those traveling specifically to escape the harsh winter conditions.
By Sunday afternoon, the impact of the storm was evident at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where travelers faced long delays and cancellations. The storm’s severe conditions forced the closure of airports in Montreal and Ottawa as well, with flight cancellations piling up. Environment Canada had issued a winter storm warning on Saturday, advising citizens in southern Ontario and Quebec to prepare for hazardous travel.
At Toronto Pearson, travelers were bracing for the worst, and while many tried to remain calm and patient, others were left scrambling. Tom James and Dorothy Santos, for example, had planned a relaxing cruise in Miami but were caught off guard when their flight was canceled. Their originally scheduled flight at 9:40 a.m. on Sunday was one of the thousands canceled due to the snowstorm. The couple had arrived at the airport early, hoping to beat the weather, but despite their best efforts, they learned that their flight had been rescheduled for Tuesday — a day they would miss their cruise.
Despite being stranded, James and Santos tried to stay positive but were still faced with the reality that the missed cruise would cost them a hefty $3,500. Without travel insurance, they were left to hope for a refund, which, fortunately, their credit card company was able to provide.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Slay, a social worker traveling to North Carolina for a conference, faced similar issues. She received a flight cancellation notice late Saturday night but was rebooked on a later flight. While the delay was frustrating, Slay remained understanding, acknowledging that the airline couldn’t control the weather and prioritizing her safety.
By 8 a.m. Sunday, Toronto Pearson had already accumulated 12 centimeters of snow, with an additional 15 centimeters expected by the end of the day. Airport officials and travelers alike braced for more cancellations and delays as the storm continued to intensify.
In Quebec, the snowstorm also made its presence known, beginning Saturday evening and intensifying into Sunday morning. Environment Canada warned of rapidly deteriorating conditions, with snow and blowing snow making travel dangerous in many areas. The storm also brought a new challenge for municipal snow removal teams, who were already dealing with significant snowfall accumulations. Lachine, Quebec, had already seen 80 centimeters of snow in February — nearly double the usual amount for the month.
Maja Vodanovic, the mayor of Lachine, emphasized that the rapid, concentrated snowstorms seen over the past five years are a concerning trend, linked to climate change. She noted that January and February now experience more intense snowfall than before, leaving snow removal teams with little time to recover before the next storm hits.
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Further complicating the situation, some snow-removal operators faced a shortage of road salt. Joe Salemi, the executive director of Landscape Ontario, explained that contractors had to use salt more frequently due to smaller snow events earlier in the winter. As a result, the ongoing shortage of salt could lead to more challenges in the coming weeks.
As snowstorms continue to disrupt both daily life and travel plans, the challenges for both travelers and snow-removal teams are growing. The second winter storm of the week serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous nature of winter weather, with snowstorm-related flight cancellations continuing to be a major headache for airports and passengers alike.
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