Winter Storm Warning Issued

Environment Canada

(Locations listed below description)

Major winter storm tonight through Saturday.

Travel will become hazardous.

Hazards: Snow, heavy at times, with total amounts of 10 to 20 cm by Saturday morning. Freezing rain with light accretion. Strong wind gusts up to 90 km/h creating widespread blowing snow which will reduce visibility to near zero at times. Wind chill values approaching minus 20. Flash freeze producing icy and slippery surfaces.

Timing: Snow beginning this evening, then transitioning to rain Friday morning. Intermittent freezing rain tonight. Snow and local blowing snow developing Friday afternoon before tapering to flurries Saturday morning. Very cold wind chill values will develop late Friday and persist into the weekend. Flash freeze Friday afternoon.

Discussion: Snow, heavy at times, is expected to begin this evening before changing to rain overnight. Snow may mix with freezing rain and ice pellets tonight. Freezing rain or ice pellets may reduce snowfall amounts in some areas. Temperatures are expected to plummet Friday afternoon leading to a potential flash freeze. Rapidly falling temperatures will be accompanied by strong winds gusting up to 90 km/h, snow at times heavy, and widespread blowing snow.

Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. 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. For information on emergency plans and kits go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca .

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

To report severe weather in Ontario, send an email to onstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

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