Residents in Cornwall, Ontario, are dealing with a significant winter storm that is expected to bring 15–25 centimetres of snow by midday Monday, January 26, 2026. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the storm will bring heavy snow and northeasterly winds gusting 40–50 kilometres per hour, reducing visibility and making travel dangerous and physical work difficult.
The storm includes gusts up to 50 km/h and blowing snow that is reducing visibility on major roads and local arterials; the Research Dossier and local road reports note impacts on Highway 401. The City of Cornwall is focusing its snow plows on primary emergency routes first; residential side streets may not be cleared for 12–24 hours depending on severity and resource availability. The city’s snow removal policy notes that cul-de-sacs are normally completed within about 16 hours after an 8 cm accumulation.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is specifically advising people to ‘take frequent breaks and avoid strain when clearing snow’ to reduce the risk of overexertion. Because the snow is expected to be heavy and wet, local emergency services are on alert for a possible increase in shoveling-related injuries, including cardiac events and slip-and-fall injuries.
For seniors or people with disabilities who need help clearing their property, Snow Angels Canada operates a volunteer-matching service to connect residents with local volunteers. Anyone looking for non-emergency help or information on where to stay warm can call the 2-1-1 helpline for assistance.
