Winter Storm Warning – Travel Likely To Be Hazardous

Winter storm warning in effect for:

Goderich – Bluewater – Southern Huron County
Listowel – Milverton – Northern Perth County
Stratford – Mitchell – Southern Perth County
Wingham – Blyth – Northern Huron County
Hazardous winter conditions are expected.

A developing winter storm over Illinois is tracking towards Southern Ontario. Snow associated with this storm has already begun across southwestern Ontario and will spread eastward today reaching the Greater Toronto Area by early evening. The snow will continue into Monday morning.

For areas south of a line from Sarnia towards Hamilton, total snowfall amounts of 20 to 30 cm are likely, with the highest amounts near the Great Lakes. North of this line from Huron – Perth towards the Greater Toronto Area, total amounts will likely be near 15 cm.

Over all regions, winds will strengthen and become gusty this afternoon and evening, reducing visibilities to 0.5 km or less in blowing snow. The combination of snow and blowing snow will make for hazardous travelling conditions. These persistent winds will generate wind chill values of near minus 25 tonight and into Monday.

The worst conditions are generally expected tonight. The Monday morning commute is expected to be significantly affected by this winter storm.

Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. 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/

Winter Storm Warnings are issued when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected to occur together.

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