Snow squall warning replaces watch for the region

Current details:
Multi-day lake effect snow squall event beginning this evening.

Hazards:
Local accumulations possibly exceeding 40 cm by late Sunday.
Peak snowfall rates of 5 to 10 cm per hour.
Very poor to zero visibility at times in heavy snow and local blowing snow.
Power outages possible due to the heavy wet nature of the snow.

Timing:
Beginning this evening and continuing through the weekend and possibly into early next week.

Discussion:
Lake effect flurries will affect the area today with a few centimetres possible. More significant lake effect snow squalls are expected to move south into the area this evening. These snow squalls will shift from time to time but will be capable of intense snowfall rates. As is common with snow squalls, snowfall amounts will be highly variable. Some areas may receive well in excess of 40 cm by late Sunday.

Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common. Road closures are possible.

If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone. 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 https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.