WEATHER ALERT
ENVIRONMENT CANADA
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Snow squall watch in effect for:
• Midland - Coldwater - Orr Lake
• Barrie - Collingwood - Hillsdale
• Owen Sound - Blue Mountains - Northern Grey County
• Orillia - Lagoon City - Washago
• Innisfil - New Tecumseth - Angus
• Listowel - Milverton - Northern Perth County
• Stratford - Mitchell - Southern Perth County
Conditions are expected to be favourable for a brief frontal snow squall this morning and lake effect snow squalls this afternoon into Thursday.
Hazards:
Locally heavy snowfall with total accumulations of 15 to 35 cm possible.
Peak snowfall rates of 2 to 4 cm per hour.
Significantly reduced visibility in heavy snow and blowing snow.
Timing:
Beginning this morning and ending Thursday afternoon.
Discussion:
A sharp cold front is expected to move south through the area today leading to the development of a frontal snow squall. Heavy flurries associated with the cold front combined with northwest winds gusting up to 70 km/h will cause a sudden drop in visibility to near zero. Behind this front, lake effect snow squalls are expected to develop this afternoon persisting to Thursday afternoon. Strong northwesterly winds along with the lake effect snow squalls will lead to significantly reduced visibility.
Travel may be hazardous due to sudden changes in the weather. Visibility may be significantly and suddenly reduced to near zero. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations.
Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. 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.
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.
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