Windstorm headed for Iqaluit could be worst since 2007
Blizzard with potentially damaging winds expected to hit south Baffin Island Tuesday
A blizzard headed for Iqaluit and Baffin island Tuesday has the potential to be the worst windstorm to hit the region since 2007, according to Environment Canada.
That February storm produced wind gusts up to 135 km/h and caused significant damage, including roof damage to Iqaluit's eight-storey building and Inuksuk High School.
The City of Iqaluit is advising residents to conserve water by taking shorter baths or showers and doing smaller loads of laundry. It says additional fire and ambulance crews will be at the fire hall but emergency services may be delayed due to blizzard conditions.
Residents are also asked to stay off the roads when the blizzard hits because of reduced visibility unless travel is absolutely necessary.
The storm system was over Quebec on Monday and is expected to intensify and move over Ungava Bay early Tuesday.
Environment Canada has issued blizzard warnings for all Nunavik communities except Kuujjuaq.
Blizzard conditions are forecast to begin early Tuesday morning along the south coast of Baffin Island spreading inland to Iqaluit by mid-day Tuesday then to Hall Beach Tuesday afternoon and Pangnirtung Tuesday evening.
Wind gusts up to 100 km/h are possible for Kimmirut and Cape Dorset; gusts in Iqaluit and Pangnirtung may reach 120 km/h or more.
The powerful winds combined with falling snow will lead to whiteout conditions with frequent near-zero visibility Tuesday.
Blizzard conditions and strong winds are expected to ease by Wednesday morning for Kimmirut, Iqaluit and Pangnirtung, but will likely persist through Wednesday for Cape Dorset and Hall Beach.
Blizzard conditions are also forecast for the Kivalliq region Tuesday with wind gusts up to 70 or 80 km/h expected.