Second storm in as many weeks brings high winds, snow to Nunavut capital
A car stuck in drifting snow blocks the entrance to Iqaluit’s Aqsarniit Hotel parking lot Wednesday morning. Most services in the Nunavut capital were unavailable for the second time this month due to a blizzard. Environment Canada’s forecast calls for the weather to clear Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Daron Letts)
This story was updated on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. ET.
Services across Iqaluit remained closed Wednesday morning as a blizzard buffets the city for the second time in as many weeks.
The weather deteriorated quickly Tuesday afternoon and remained poor through the night.
Light snow with 50 km/h winds gusting to 80 km/h made travel conditions hazardous with almost zero visibility, according to Environment Canada.
On Wednesday, schools were closed. water and sewer services suspended and government offices shuttered.
Several other offices, including Qulliq Energy Corp., Workers Safety and Compensation Commission and Qikiqtaaluk Corp., announced closures as well. Ampere announced its Makerspace would be closed Wednesday morning.
The City of Iqaluit announced crews will start clearing the roads as soon as its safe to do so and emergency services are available as long as its safe to respond.
The Baffin Mayors Forum, ongoing this week at the Aqsarniit Hotel in Iqaluit, suspended its meetings until weather improves.
That is expected to happen later Wednesday afternoon, according to Environment Canada. Once the blizzard passes, clear skies and highs ranging from -23 C to -28 C are forecast through the weekend.
Correction: This story was updated to correct time reference errors in the photo caption.