Unseasonal, record-breaking storm hits Nunavut, Canada

A powerful storm hit Nunavut, Canada, on Sunday, December 27, 2020, bringing record wind gusts of up to 135 km/h (84 mph) and heavy snow. Meteorologists said it was unusual for such a storm to occur this late in December, affecting much of the territory.

The storm brought winds of up to 135 km/h (84 mph), which was record-breaking, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. 

"It was like an all-day thing. The wind was so strong," Pangnirtung mayor Eric Lawlor said.

"Many shacks and cabins are gone. Many, many snowmobile windshields are gone. Some injuries we have heard of so far," Pangnirtung resident Sky Panipak stated, adding that one person sustained injuries and had to be taken to a southern hospital.

Meteorologist Sara Hoffman reported that out of 25 communities, 23 were affected by the storm. "It's pretty unusual for a storm like that this late in December. We don't typically see that."

Hoffman noted that her team is looking into whether Sunday was a record-breaking day for such a storm in the territory.

Featured image credit: Sky Panipak