Ontario Braces for Another Snow Squall: Up to 50 cm Expected in Already Hard-Hit Areas
A powerful low-pressure system is set to unleash 30-50 cm of snow across Ontario, impacting travel and safety in already affected regions.
Ontario, Canada, Snow Squalls, Weather Alerts, Travel Safety
Ontario: A deep low-pressure system is moving in, bringing more snow squalls this week. Some areas could see an additional 30 to 50 cm of snow by Friday. Yikes!
While the winds will shift around, we might not get the crazy totals we saw earlier this month. Still, expect significant snowfall in places that have already been hit hard, plus blowing snow and possible whiteouts.
Travel could get tricky, especially for folks east and southeast of Lakes Superior and Huron, and around Georgian Bay. Keep an eye on local weather warnings as things could get dicey.
Starting Wednesday night, snow squalls will kick off from Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Areas from Goderich to Tobermory and Orillia to Parry Sound are in the line of fire. Snow squall watches are already in effect.
Winds will be strong across southern Ontario, with gusts hitting 50 to 70 km/h. Along the shorelines, we might even see gusts up to 80 km/h. That’s some serious wind!
These snow squalls are moving around more than before, so they won’t just sit in one spot. By Thursday morning, they’ll start shifting south toward Barrie.
As the night rolls in, the squalls will head back north, easing up by Friday morning. In total, we could see 30 to 50 cm of snow in the hardest-hit areas.
Travel along Highway 21 could be really tough, with heavy snow and gusty winds expected. Whiteout conditions are likely on Highway 400 and Highway 11, which were already hit hard last week. Road closures could happen, so be careful!
If you have to travel, let someone know your plans and carry an emergency kit and a phone, as advised by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Outside the snowbelt, the Greater Toronto Area will see some flurries and colder temperatures on Thursday. But don’t worry, milder weather is on the way for the weekend!
Expect a mix of light precipitation on Saturday and possibly into Sunday. The first half of next week looks mild, but colder temps might return as we get closer to the holidays.