Over 80cm snow possible as blizzard warnings issued for parts of southern Ontario

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Published December 11, 2024 at 2:25 pm

blizzard warning ontario

Blizzard warnings have been issued for parts of southern Ontario, with 80 cm of snow possible in some areas through Friday.

The warnings, which covers areas east of Lake Huron from Meaford in the north to roughly Port Albert in the south, is advising against travel in the affected areas.

Hazards include locally heavy snowfall and westerly winds gusting to 80 km/h, “resulting in near zero visibility in blowing snow,” Environment Canada said.

It’s expected to begin later today and continue into Friday, with blizzard conditions expected overnight and Thursday morning.

Areas north of Lucknow are forecasted to be hardest-hit, with 40 to 80 cm of snow expected locally through Friday and peak snowfall rates of five to 10 cm an hour.

Areas south are forecasted to receive 20 to 30 cm locally by Friday, with peak snowfall rates of three to six cm per hour.

“Strong westerly winds gusting up to 80 km/h will develop late overnight into Thursday morning resulting in widespread blowing snow with near zero visibility,” the warning for the areas expected to he hardest-hit said.

“Winds should ease somewhat by Thursday afternoon, although heavy snowfall will continue into Friday. Travel is expected to be difficult to nearly impossible.

“Locally higher snowfall amounts greater than 80 cm are possible if a strong snow squall band remains over the same area.”

Road closures are likely in areas under a blizzard warning, the weather agency said, with travel expected to be “extremely hazardous.”

Residents were advised to avoid travel and if they must go out, keep others informed about their destination, carry an emergency kit and phone.

“If you become stranded in a vehicle do not leave. The vehicle offers a form of protection from the cold. A single person walking through the snow is harder to find than a stranded car or truck,” Environment Canada said.

Elsewhere, other areas east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay remain under snow squall warnings with significant accumulation expected.

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