Special Weather Statement: Utility Outages Possible As Strong Winds And Colder Air Arrive Monday Night

A Special Weather Statement issued by Environment Canada at 2: 15 pm ET warns of strong, gusty winds starting Monday afternoon and lasting through Tuesday morning, with the risk of local utility outages and a sharp drop in temperatures Monday night into Tuesday morning.

What the Special Weather Statement Says

The advisory outlines a sequence of wind shifts and gusts tied to the passage of a cold front. Easterly winds will become southerly with gusts up to 70 km/h possible. Southwesterly winds Monday afternoon are expected to shift to northwesterly Monday night with gusts of 70 to 90 km/h. The onset of the strongest gusts is expected with the cold front, and winds are forecast to ease later Tuesday morning.

• Gust potential: up to 70 km/h in initial southerly flow; 70 to 90 km/h with the northwesterly push.
• Timing: Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, with strongest gusts at the cold-front passage.
• Secondary hazards: much colder temperatures, impactful snow squalls and blowing snow Monday night into Tuesday morning for areas southeast of Georgian Bay.

Where Conditions Will Be Most Severe

Toronto is specifically highlighted as at risk for wind gusts up to 90 km/h beginning Monday afternoon and continuing into Tuesday morning. Areas to the southeast of Georgian Bay are expected to see not only high winds but also a period of much colder air accompanied by snow squalls and blowing snow Monday night into Tuesday morning.

Impacts, Safety Risks And Timing

High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break, and local utility outages are possible. The advisory notes that winds will shift direction through the event: strong southwest winds developing Monday afternoon with the cold front, then shifting to the west or northwest tonight before easing Tuesday morning.

For Toronto specifically, rain and a mild high near 13 C are expected on Monday ahead of the temperature plunge. The mild conditions will not last: a marked cooling is forecast for Tuesday, with a chance of flurries and daytime readings falling well below Monday’s levels. Winds are expected to relax later Tuesday morning, ending the most intense period of gusts.

Residents in affected areas are advised to secure loose outdoor items and be prepared for potential outages and brief reductions in visibility where blowing snow occurs. Continue to monitor updates from Environment Canada for any changes to the advisory and timing.