A major snowstorm is affecting northern parts of Canada on Saturday, October 24, with Environment Canada warning of heavy snow, strong winds and rain, blowing snow and dangerous travel conditions across parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut and Alberta.
The most significant snowfall totals are expected in northern Saskatchewan, where warnings call for 30 to 50 centimetres by Sunday morning in areas including Southend, Brabant Lake, Kinoosao and Wollaston Lake.
Environment Canada says the combination of heavy snow and northerly winds could reduce visibility to near zero at times and make travel dangerous.
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Snowstorm warnings cover northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba
In northern Saskatchewan, a long-duration snowfall event is continuing through Saturday before gradually easing on Sunday.
The warning for Southend, Brabant Lake and Kinoosao calls for 30 to 50 centimetres of snow, with northerly wind gusts reaching up to 70 km/h.
A separate warning for Wollaston Lake and Collins Bay also forecasts 30 to 50 centimetres, with strong northern winds persisting until Sunday.
Environment Canada has warned that roads could become impassable in places, while power outages and damage to trees or property are possible.
Other northern Saskatchewan communities, including Cree Lake, Key Lake and Fond-du-Lac, are under snowfall warnings calling for roughly 20 to 40 centimetres.
Those alerts also warn of difficult travel, possible road closures and isolated power disruptions.
Strong winds and mixed precipitation in Manitoba
Northern Manitoba is facing a broader mix of winter hazards as the storm moves through the region.
Environment Canada has issued winter storm warnings for areas including Brochet, Lynn Lake, Pukatawagan, South Indian Lake and Tadoule Lake.
The warnings call for 20 to 40 centimetres of snow, wind gusts above 90 km/h, 5 to 10 millimetres of freezing rain and 20 to 30 millimetres of rain in some areas.
Precipitation that began as rain or freezing rain is expected to change to snow as colder air moves in during Saturday.
Officials say blowing snow could cause sudden drops in visibility, at times leaving motorists with almost no sight distance.
The storm is expected to weaken gradually Sunday afternoon and evening, although conditions may remain difficult until the system moves out.
Churchill and Nunavut could see damaging gusts
Churchill and Arviat are also under winter storm warnings as the system tracks through the Hudson Bay region.
Environment Canada is forecasting 10 to 25 centimetres of snow in those areas, along with rain and wind gusts that could reach 100 to 110 km/h.
For Churchill, the change from rain or freezing rain to snow and blowing snow is expected Saturday evening and overnight.
The warning says power outages are possible and high-profile vehicles may be pushed around by the wind.
Residents have been advised to secure loose outdoor objects and prepare for rapidly deteriorating conditions.
Snow warnings also remain active in northern Alberta
Parts of northern Alberta, including areas around Lac La Biche and Wood Buffalo, remain under snowfall warnings.
The Lac La Biche warning calls for total accumulation of 10 to 15 centimetres as rain changes to heavy snow.
Heavy snow is expected to continue through Saturday before gradually easing Saturday evening.
Environment Canada says roads and sidewalks may become difficult to navigate because of accumulating snow, and motorists should allow additional time for travel.
Snowfall warnings are also active across multiple parts of the Wood Buffalo region, including areas near Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan and Fort MacKay.
What travellers should know
The storm is concentrated in northern and remote areas rather than across the country as a whole.
However, the combination of heavy snow, strong winds, freezing rain and blowing snow could affect highways, local roads, air travel and community access routes.
Drivers in affected regions should check the latest Environment Canada alert for their exact location before leaving.
Anyone who must travel should carry emergency supplies, keep mobile devices charged and be prepared for road conditions to change quickly.
Environment Canada recommends continuing to monitor updated forecasts because warning areas, snowfall totals and storm timing can change as the system develops.
The heaviest snow and strongest winds are expected to ease gradually between Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening, depending on location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the snowstorm affecting Canada on October 24, 2026?
The main impact zone is across northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, parts of Nunavut and northern Alberta.
How much snow is expected?
Some areas of northern Saskatchewan could receive 30 to 50 centimetres, while parts of Manitoba, Nunavut and Alberta have lower but still significant snowfall forecasts.
Are winter storm warnings in effect?
Yes. Environment Canada has issued winter storm or snowfall warnings for numerous communities in the affected northern regions.
Could travel be affected?
Yes. Heavy snow, blowing snow, freezing rain and strong winds could create dangerous or rapidly changing road conditions and may lead to road closures.
When will the storm end?
Conditions are expected to improve gradually from Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening, although the exact timing varies by location.
Fact-Checked: Temporal review completed against Environment Canada alerts issued October 23, 2026. Saturday, October 24, 2026 and Sunday, October 25, 2026 are correct; the cited Saturday-to-Sunday timing is supported for Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Churchill/Arviat and Alberta. ([ecalertme.weather.gc.ca](https://ecalertme.weather.gc.ca/warning-latest_en.php?alert_code=WSW&alert_id=93425&m_id=458527&ualert_id=4857&utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: Weather warnings can change quickly, so residents should consult the latest Environment Canada alert for their specific location before travelling.