Snow and Winds Create Dangerous Conditions in Southwestern Ontario

Several areas north of London are facing a blizzard warning as another wave of snow and strong winds hits southwestern Ontario Monday afternoon.

Environment Canada has issued an orange weather alert for multiple regions east of Lake Huron, including Huron and Perth counties, Stratford, Mitchell, Goderich, Blue Water, and extending up toward the Bruce Peninsula.

Orange alerts indicate severe weather conditions that could lead to considerable damage or disruptions.

“This is being driven by very strong and gusting winds from the west, causing not only intense bursts of falling snow, but also blowing snow and some pretty cold temperatures,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Geoff Coulson.

Monday’s forecast includes snow squalls and winds ranging from 60 to 80 km/h.

Blowing snow will create blizzard-like conditions with nearly zero visibility, Coulson stated.

“In a typical snow squall warning we see in places like London or Stratford, there are bands of snow coming off Lake Huron. Visibility can tend to be briefly poor as you drive through the heart of some of these bands,” Coulson explained. “In this particular case, the blizzard warning indicates the very poor visibilities are much more widespread.”

While wind and blowing snow should ease by Monday night, snow squalls along with up to 25 cm of additional snowfall will persist into Tuesday. With wind chill factored in, temperatures may fall between -20 to -25 C.

Crashes Close Highways

Environment Canada advises people to avoid traveling as navigating the roads may become impossible. The organization suggests those who need to travel should have an emergency plan ready.

The westbound side of Highway 401 was temporarily closed during the morning rush hour between Woodstock and Ingersoll due to an accident. That stretch has since reopened but with lane restrictions in place.

Police also reported a closure on the westbound side of Highway 402 at Glendon Drive in Middlesex County because of “multiple disabled vehicles” along with poor driving conditions.

The Ontario Provincial Police posted on X Monday morning urging drivers to proceed cautiously as roads and highways are already slick, slippery, and icy.

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