30 cm of snow possible as snow squall warning issued for part of southern Ontario

Between 20 to 30 cm of snow could fall as a snow squall hits part of southern Ontario starting on Friday.

Environment Canada issued the snow squall warning shortly after 4 p.m. on Friday for communities on the south shores of Lake Huron near the U.S. border including Sarnia, Petrolia, Port Lambton, Oil City, and others.

Residents can expect lake-effect with snowfall of 20 to 30 cm possible and severely reduced visibility at times with heavy, blowing snow through into Saturday.

“Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common,” Environment Canada says.

“Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.”

The agency says to consider putting off any non-essential travel until conditions improve.

If you do need to head out on the roads, watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance from vehicles ahead of you.

Winter weather travel advisories were also issued for the London area, with Environment Canada saying lake effect snow bands are expected to develop over Lake Huron and may move inland after midnight, affecting areas near the lakeshore.

“The lake effect snow is expected to taper to light flurries Saturday afternoon,” the agency says.