Winter storm warning in effect for:
- Niagara Falls – Welland – Southern Niagara Region
- St. Catharines – Grimsby – Northern Niagara Region
Hazardous winter conditions are expected.
A winter storm with heavy snow and blowing snow continues across Southern Ontario. For areas south of a line from Sarnia towards Hamilton, total snowfall amounts of 25 to 35 cm are likely, with the highest amounts near the Great Lakes. North of this line, from Huron – Perth through Waterloo – Wellington and the Greater Toronto Area, total amounts will likely be in the 15 to 20 cm range.
In addition to the heavy snow, strong and gusty winds have reduced visibilties to 500 metres or less at times in blowing snow. The combination of snow and blowing snow is resulting in hazardous travelling conditions. For the Hamilton and Northern Niagara regions, winds are gusting to 70 km/h this morning and are resulting in near blizzard conditions along the lakeshore and on the Niagara Escarpment. Also, the winds are combining with the cold airmass to produce wind chill values ranging from minus 20 to minus 30 for regions in the winter storm warning.
The morning commute is expected to be significantly affected by this winter storm. Conditions are forecast to improve later this morning over Southwestern Ontario and by this afternoon for the rest of the warned regions as the snow tapers off and winds begin to diminish.
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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SOURCE: Environment Canada
