Snow Squall Watch – 50 cm Of Snow Possible

10:37 AM EST Sunday 17 January 2016

Snow squall watch in effect for:

Goderich – Bluewater – Southern Huron County

Listowel – Milverton – Northern Perth County

Stratford – Mitchell – Southern Perth County

Wingham – Blyth – Northern Huron County

Persistent snow squalls are expected to develop. Under the snow squall bands, visibilities will be significantly reduced due to the heavy snow combined with blowing snow, and snow will quickly accumulate.

Conditions will become favourable beginning this evening for strong snow squalls to develop in a northwesterly flow off of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.

Significant snowfall accumulation is likely in some areas. Latest indications suggest 15 to 25 cm of snow per 12 hours in the strongest snow squalls.

Strong and gusty northwest winds may carry the snow squalls well inland, and also result in areas of blowing snow.

There is some potential for snow squalls to lock in over a few locales, especially on Monday. Should this occur, total snowfall amounts could locally reach 40 or 50 cm.

The snow squalls may persist well into Tuesday in this longer lived event.

Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common. Visibility may be significantly and suddenly reduced to near zero. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Road closures are possible. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. For information on emergency plans and kits go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/

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