Halloween blizzard threatens some scary conditions
Near-zero visibility will create hazardous travel conditions as blizzard warnings affect the Dempster Highway near the Richardson Mountains
A blizzard on Halloween sounds scary in itself, with a warning issued for the Yukon Friday morning, impacting areas along the Dempster Highway.
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Strong easterly winds developed near the Richardson Mountains in northern sections of the highway.
These winds, combined with snow expected Friday, are set to create hazardous blizzard conditions.
In southern sections of the Dempster, including areas near Tombstone Territorial Park and the Ogilvie Mountains, moderate to strong easterly winds, accompanied by snow, may lead to blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Drivers should be prepared for near-zero visibility and challenging travel conditions. Winds are expected to ease by this evening, improving conditions by nightfall.
"Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the warning.
Blizzards are a common occurrence along the Dempster Highway throughout the extended winter season, which generally spans from October to May. In Whitehorse, the average snowfall for October is 17.2 cm, increasing to 28.4 cm in November.