An “historic” winter storm is moving across North America today, and weather experts warn that travel will be dangerous in many areas.
Minnesota and Wisconsin were hit hard today (Feb. 22) as the storm moved east. As of 3 p.m. EST today, Minneapolis St. Paul Airport had seen 200 outgoing flights (46%) and 218 incoming flights (51%) cancelled. Milwaukee’s International Airport had seen cancellations for 35% of incoming flights and 62% of outgoing flights as of that time, while Detroit Metro Wayne International had more than 25% of incoming and outgoing flights cancelled, according to flightaware.com.
The storm is expected to hit southern Ontario with a mix of snow, ice and rain today (Feb. 22) and tomorrow. The Weather Network has issued a winter storm warning for the area and there could be heavy snow at times, as well as ice pellets. Total accumulation could be 10 to 15 cm, forecasters said.
Air Canada’s advisory site warns of possible snow today at the Toronto island airport and at Toronto Pearson, as well as in Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. WestJet’s site shows a “winter storm system” warning for Southern Ontario and Montreal.
As of 3 p.m. Eastern Time, flightaware.com was showing 78 outgoing flights (14%) and 105 incoming flights (20%) cancelled at Toronto Pearson, Canada’s busiest airport.
The storm is expected to track across northern New York state and into New England in the next couple days.
Even California is expecting snow in elevations as low as 1,000 feet, and a major winter storm is expected to dump a huge amount of rain on Los Angeles in the next few days.
Be sure to give yourself lots of extra time if you’re heading to an airport in any areas affected by this week’s storm.
The skyline of Calgary. JIM BYERS PHOTO
PORTER FLIGHTS BETWEEN TORONTO AND CALGARY BEGIN TODAY
Porter Airlines today celebrated the inaugural flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Calgary International Airport (YYC). The airline now flies to the two largest cities in Alberta as it grows its national network.
Service between Calgary and Toronto Pearson begins with two daily, non-stop return flights, increasing to three daily as of June 1. The flights are operated with Porter’s new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The 132-seat aircraft features an all-economy, two-by-two configuration, which makes Porter the only airline with no middle seats on this route.
“The launch of service in Calgary continues Porter’s western expansion and marks our entry to southern Alberta,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “Porter’s elevated economy travel experience is unlike anything that Calgarians have experienced up to now. The level of service that Porter offers is unheard of for economy travellers among North American airlines.”
Porter’s elevated passenger experience, which includes complimentary beer and wine served in real glassware, free premium snacks, and free WiFi, is available to all travellers. Fresh, healthy meals, pre-mixed cocktails and additional snack options are also available on the new Calgary-Toronto Pearson route. Passengers can enjoy these additional features, either as part of PorterReserve all-inclusive fares or for purchase à la carte with PorterClassic fares.
The new Calgary-Toronto route connects two leading Canadian cities with excellent tourist destinations and economic trade opportunities. Calgary is a vibrant city surrounded by natural attractions, including the Rocky Mountains being only a short drive away. Toronto offers great nightlife, unique neighbourhoods, and a variety of sporting and cultural events.
