Up to 30cm snow expected in some areas as winter storm warning hits Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Halton, Durham and Niagara

A major winter storm is expected Friday and Saturday, and travel will become hazardous in Southern Ontario.

Here are the latest updates we have from Environment Canada.

A winter storm warning is in effect for:

• Mississauga
• Brampton
• Hamilton
• Burlington
• Oakville
• Caledon
• Halton Hills
• Milton
• Niagara Falls
• Welland
• Southern Niagara Region
• Newmarket – Georgina – Northern York Region
• Pickering – Oshawa – Southern Durham Region
• Uxbridge – Beaverton – Northern Durham Region
• Vaughan – Richmond Hill – Markham

Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Halton, Durham:
Wind gusts up to 90 km/h, creating widespread blowing snow which will reduce visibility to near zero at times.
Snowfall amounts of 5 to 15 cm by Saturday morning. Wind chill values into the minus twenties. Flash freeze producing icy and slippery surfaces.

In Niagara Region:
Blizzard conditions with wind gusts of 100 to 120 km/h. Snowfall amounts of 15 to 30 cm by Sunday morning. Locally higher amounts are possible, especially toward Fort Erie. Wind chill values near minus 20. Flash freeze producing icy and slippery surfaces.

The damaging winds and widespread blowing snow develops Friday morning and continuing into Saturday.
Snow is developing Friday morning and tapering off to flurries Saturday morning.
Very cold wind chill values will develop on Friday and persist into the weekend.
Flash freeze is possible Friday morning.

Precipitation is expected to begin as rain or snow late this afternoon or early this evening before transitioning to rain for many areas tonight. Temperatures are expected to plummet on Friday morning, leading to a potential flash freeze. Rapidly falling temperatures will be accompanied by damaging winds, snow at times heavy, and widespread blowing snow.

Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop. 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.