Latest news with #Muskoka
CTV News
4 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Rain, thunderstorms and extreme heat: Here are this weekend's weather alerts
Environment Canada has issued more than 350 weather and air quality alerts for this weekend, including extreme heat warnings across much of Ontario. Here's what to know: Extreme heat alerts 'The first significant heat event of the season with dangerously hot and humid conditions will begin Sunday afternoon and is expected to continue into the week,' reads one of several heat-related alerts. As of Saturday afternoon, a wide area is under a severe heat warning including, all of southern Ontario, the Niagara, Muskoka and Bruce Peninsula regions, the Greater Toronto Area and along the St. Lawrence River to the southwestern Montreal area. Within that zone, daytime temperatures are expected to reach as high as 31 to 36 degrees Celsius between Saturday and late Tuesday, with a humidex of between 40 and 45. Temperatures will fall to between 21 and 25 degrees overnight, though Environment Canada notes it will be 'providing little relief from the heat.' A humidex of 40 to 45 has also sparked a special weather statement for an area roughly between Petawawa, Ont. in the west to the Quebec-Maine border, including the greater Montreal area. A heat warning is also in effect for the area along Ontario's southern border with Minnesota from Saturday into late Sunday, when temperatures are expected to reach between 28 and 30 degrees with overnight lows near 18 and humidex values close to 40. Manitoulin Island and the region between North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., are also under a heat warning, with daytime temperatures of 30 to 32, humidex near 40 and overnight lows of 18 to 21 from Sunday into late Monday. In northwestern Yukon, a special weather statement notes a 'prolonged period of elevated temperatures' is expected this weekend, with daytime highs in the mid to high 20s. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay hydrated, seek out air conditioning, fans or shade, use ice packs and local cooling centres, and monitor for symptoms of heat exhaustion, including headaches and dizziness, nausea, thirst, dark urine and 'intense fatigue,' Environment Canada says. Additional symptoms such as a change in consciousness, red and hot skin and confusion may be signs of heat stroke, which the agency notes is a medical emergency. In the event of a heat stroke, you should call 9-1-1 and cool the person down while awaiting medical attention, Environment Canada says, such as by removing extra clothing, moving them to a cooler location and applying ice packs and cold water to their body. Rainfall and thunderstorms Parts of Canada are expected to see major rainfall this weekend. Weather watches are in effect in southwestern Quebec along the Ontario border, where Environment Canada says 'Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and torrential rain.' Residents are warned that 'nautical activities could be hazardous,' and that they should seek shelter indoors if they hear thunder. 'Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year,' the alert warns. A mixture of warnings and special weather statements are also active in an area of western Canada from Last Mountain Lake in Saskatchewan in the east to Fernie, B.C., in the west. Wind and rain of between 40 and 130 mm is expected, varying by province and local area, from Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning. Trees in some areas may be uprooted and localized flooding is possible, as well as washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts, Environment Canada says. Drivers are advised to turn on headlights and maintain safe distances if visibility is reduced during storms. Further west, in the southern B.C. interior, a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect, and along Highway 3 near the U.S. border, wet snow accumulation may reach up to four centimetres near the Kootenay Pass summit, a separate statement says. Finally, a severe thunderstorm watch is active on the B.C.-Yukon border, where rain, wind and large hail may be hazardous. 'Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada,' it reads. Air quality alerts In addition to this weekend's weather alerts, air quality alerts linked to wildfire smoke are active in regions across western Canada, including in northwestern Ontario, eastern Manitoba, central Saskatchewan, northern Alberta and British Columbia. 'As smoke levels increase, health risks increase,' Environment Canada warns, advising those in affected areas to limit time spent outside and to consider rescheduling sporting events and other activities. Windows and doors should be kept closed as much as possible, and tools including ventilation with quality air filters, portable air cleaners and well-fitting respirator-type masks are recommended, though risks to health may persist. Those especially vulnerable to poor air quality include people aged 65 or older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with existing illnesses or health conditions and those who work outdoors. Residents are advised to check in on neighbours and others in their care, particularly those who are vulnerable. You can view active alerts and other information at Environment Canada's weather information system here.
CTV News
a day ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Beaver dam collapse forces emergency closure on Muskoka roads
A beaver dam collapse triggered an emergency road closure in the Township of Muskoka Lakes, leaving parts of Brackenrig Road and Dawson Road closed to drivers on Fri., June 20, 2025. (Muskoka Lakes Fire Dept. / X) A beaver dam collapse triggered an emergency road closure in the Township of Muskoka Lakes, leaving parts of Brackenrig Road and Dawson Road closed to drivers. According to the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department, the collapse caused a surge of water to overtop the local road. Staff from both the Township of Muskoka Lakes and the District of Muskoka responded swiftly to conduct repairs. Beaver dam A beaver dam collapse triggered an emergency road closure in the Township of Muskoka Lakes, leaving parts of Brackenrig Road and Dawson Road closed to drivers on Fri., June 20, 2025. (Muskoka Lakes Fire Dept. / X) Photos posted to X on Friday evening show significant water flow breaching the road, with visible streams pooling along ditches. Residents were advised to avoid the area during the cleanup process. Shortly after 6:30 p.m., the fire department advised the community that the road was reopened to traffic. It is unclear how the beaver dam collapsed.
CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Early morning fire results in significant damage to residential homes
An early morning fire in Gravenhurst has caused significant damage to two homes. The fire is under investigation. An early morning fire in Gravenhurst has resulted in two homes with significant damage. According to OPP, emergency services responded to a call from residents around 5:00 a.m. Thursday morning on Muskoka Beach Road that two homes were on fire. In a news release, Bracebridge OPP say all individuals were able to safely leave the buildings and the fire is currently under investigation. As a result of the investigation Muskoka Beach Road between Old Muskoka Road and Jones Road in Gravenhurst is closed with the exception of school related traffic. Anyone wishing to access Muskoka Beach Road can access it via Jones Road.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Gravenhurst homes go up in flames
Gravenhurst firefighters work to douse a house fire on Muskoka Beach Road early Thursday morning. Thu., June 19, 2025. PHOTO: Gravenhurst Fire Department Homes and outbuildings are on fire in Gravenhurst. A social media post from the Gravenhurst Fire Department at 6:24 a.m. said all stations were working on a structure fire on Muskoka Beach Road. 'Multiple structures are involved. Please avoid the area,' stated the fire department on social media. Pictures taken at the scene show a roaring blaze with firefighters tackling the fire from the driveway. Siding is melting off the houses next to the main structure. Nearby homes suffer damage Homes beside the burning house on Muskoka Beach Road suffer damage. Thu., June 19, 2025. PHOTO: Gravenhurst Fire Department. Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police say Muskoka Beach Road is closed from Jones Road to Old Muskoka Road. School drop-offs are still accessible via alternate routes. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Moose tales of Muskoka, how these majestic Canadian animals found refuge
Orphaned under unknown circumstances, the moose calve duo arrived at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Muskoka, Ont. in separate incidents. Supplied) At Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in the heart of Muskoka, every animal has a unique story. Some begin in hardship, others in danger but all are met with compassion, care, and a commitment to seeing each special soul find their way back home. Among the many animals under watchful eye at the northern sanctuary, the moose, a majestic symbol of the Canadian wilderness holds a long-lasting place. Each moose has walked a different path of life... quite literally. Some have even found their way into dangerous territory like the busy highway. Moose in the median It was a tense and uncertain few days when a young cow moose had taken refuge in the narrow median along Highway 400. 'Not moving much, and at real risk if she decided to cross into traffic,' shared the team at Aspen. She stayed there nearly motionless for five entire days. When passerby's had noticed, calls came pouring in. On June 5, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, police, and the National Wildlife Centre coordinated a remarkable rescue. In a strategic move, both directions of the highway were shut down and the baby was successfully sedated and transported to her now peaceful surroundings of Aspen Valley. Safe in a large outdoor enclosure, the youngin is under close watch. The team says they are still monitoring her for signs of illness or injury, but for now, she's recovering quietly in the summer Muskoka air. Cow moose For nearly five days, a young cow moose had taken up residence in the median of Highway 400. not moving much, and at real risk if she decided to cross into traffic, she is now sanctioned at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Muskoka, Ont. (Supplied) A match made in heaven While one moose begins her road to recovery, two youngsters are just beginning theirs. Orphaned under unknown circumstances, the moose calve duo arrived at Aspen Valley in separate incidents. Alone at first, they've now found each other forming a beautiful friendship. 'They're growing stronger every day on their journey back to the wild,' shared the team at the sanctuary. In a cozy enclosure, and bundles of hay beneath their hooves, the moose are slowly warming up to each other. Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary Orphaned under unknown circumstances, the moose calve duo arrived at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Muskoka, Ont. in separate incidents. Supplied) A decade of loving Ella the Moose Then there's Ella, the moose who's been at Aspen Valley the longest. This past May, she hit a decade, and while the celebration was a little belated the love certainly wasn't. Ella's story is different from the rest of her fellow moose friends. She can't be released and Aspen Valley has become her forever home. Over the years Ella has become a quiet ambassador for her kind, teaching staff about the strength of these majestic creatures. While moose in the wild live roughly 15 to 25 years, 'with your continued support, we're hoping for many more wonderful years with this incredible girl,' shared Muskoka staff. Her birthday isn't just a milestone, it's a moment for the sanctuary to reflect on everything she represents; resilience, love, and the importance of lifelong care for animals all over the beautiful earth. Ella the Moose Ella, the moose who's been at Aspen Valley in Muskoka Ont. the longest. This past May, she hit a decade old. (Supplied) Nap time for one sleepy guy To top it all off, here is one of the orphaned moose calves soaking up a peaceful nap. He's got a long journey ahead, according to staff but for now, he rests warm, full, and surrounded by his care team. The team will be there every step of the way until he's strong enough to return to the wild where it all started.
