Canadians brace for another winter storm. Here’s what you can expect

Canadians seeking a break from significant winter weather will have to wait as parts of the nation are set to deal with another storm.

A major snow storm is set to hit several regions in Ontario and Quebec, while many residents in Western Canada fight through a severe cold snap.

This latest weather comes after another system hit many parts of Canada earlier in the week; Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City were hit with snowfall Tuesday and Wednesday; the Maritimes also saw snowfall; parts of the West Coast dealt with winter weather before then, while the Prairies faced an extreme cold warning.

Expected to start late Friday and into Saturday, parts of Ontario and Quebec are set to see another wallop of snow.

2:06 Storms deliver powerful blast of winter weather across Eastern Canada

Global News meteorologist Ross Hull said a Texas low will be moving into the Great Lakes area, adding the difference with the upcoming storm is that there’s more cold air available that’s building over the Prairies.

He said that means there will likely be more snow before a transition to rain, especially for cities such as Toronto, closer to Lake Ontario.

“The last system dropped five to 10 centimetres of wet snow for the GTHA. With this one we are anticipating more, but it’s still too early to pin down exact amounts,” Hull said Thursday.

“Areas that did experience heavy snow with the most recent system will likely see the heaviest amounts with this latest disturbance too.”

Environment Canada is forecasting five to 10 centimetres of snow; Ottawa, which was forecast to get 10 to 15 centimetres of snow earlier in the week, is expected to get 15 to 25 centimetres of snow in this system. Peak snowfall rates of 3 to 5 cm per hour are expected, and strong wind gusts could result in significantly reduced visibility due to blowing snow.

Montreal is also expected to see 15 to 20 cm of snow, while Quebec City could get 10 to 20 centimetres.

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With many parts of Canada experiencing their first significant snowfall of this season this week, advocates are warning about the dangers of shovelling snow.

Meanwhile, extreme cold and biting wind has gripped Western Canada and it won’t shake loose until at least Saturday.

Environment Canada has said cold and Arctic outflow warnings have covered the Canadian map red, from Haida Gwaii to near Hudson Bay.

Forecasters warn the gusting winds can make temperatures it feel like its -40 C or even -55 C in some parts.

That means frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

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Those who do venture outside are being told to watch for symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, or fingers and toes changing colour.

While extreme cold puts everyone at risk, Environment Canada says the risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.

— with files from The Canadian Press