Snowfall Alert: Windsor Could See Record Accumulation Today

Environment Canada has put out a snowfall warning for Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent today, advising residents to prepare for up to 20 centimetres of snow.

The agency has issued a yellow warning, indicating that the severe weather could cause damage, disruptions, or health concerns, with conditions expected to be localized and short-lived.

Samantha Mauti, a meteorologist with ECCC, informed on Sunday morning that total accumulations from the storms are anticipated to be between 10 and 20 centimetres by this evening.

She noted that the last record-high snowfall in Windsor occurred on January 25, 2023, when it reached 11.2 centimetres.

“It’s definitely possible,” Mauti said, that today’s snowfall may surpass that record.

She also mentioned that quick-moving flurries could bring an extra 2 centimetres on Monday morning in the area.

‘It’s quite unbelievable’

CBC spoke with Windsor residents on Sunday evening about their experiences throughout the day.

Mani Singh, 32, shared that he spent an hour shovelling snow on Sunday morning just so he could run errands and then again later to make it to the gym.

Mani Singh says this is the most snow he’s seen in Windsor since he moved here three winters ago. (Pratyush Dayal/CBC)

“That’s part of life in Windsor,” he remarked. “Be safe out there.”

University of Windsor student Pritham Suresan relies on public transit and expressed how tough it was to navigate the city’s sidewalks during this weather.

“I was walking with my friend and there were times we just had to walk in a row. It was easier than trekking through the snow,” said the 23-year-old. “I hope the roads have been cleared properly Monday.”

Suresan advised other pedestrians to “stay bundled up.”

Tahmina Sharif Mitu moved to Windsor in 2021 and says Sunday’s snow was the worst she’s seen. (Pratyush Dayal/CBC)

Tahmina Sharif Mitu moved here two years ago and stated she had only experienced such winter conditions while living in the GTA.

“This is the first time [seeing] this much snow in Windsor.. since I have been here,” she commented. “It’s quite unbelievable.”

The mother of three mentioned she already got all her groceries and emergency supplies ready for her family for the week if conditions worsen.

She saw this storm as a chance to stay indoors and “spend time with family.”

It will feel like -20 C with wind chill

The alert indicates heavy snowfall at times along with local blowing snow, expecting around 10 to 15 centimetres accumulation. The high temperature will be -8 C but may feel like -20 C due to wind chill factors.

The agency reports that light snow will continue throughout the night leading up until midnight followed by some flurries into early morning hours. The low overnight will drop down to -12 C but also feels like -20 C when accounting for wind chill.

Mauti explained that temperatures on Sunday and Monday are below seasonal averages; typically highs around now should be about -2 C. They expect these colder temps will stick around for most of the week.

Mauti also mentioned Tuesday might see a weak Alberta Clipper moving into the region bringing more flurries possibly extending into Wednesday.

“There are wind gusts possible up to 50 km/hr. So we’re also expecting some blowing snow with this,” she added.

Mauti indicated winds might gust around 40 km/hr on Monday which could result in drifting snow.

Avoid non-essential travel: OPP

This past Sunday afternoon, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) released an advisory after multiple collisions happened on Highway 401 near Chatham affecting both westbound and eastbound lanes.

The OPP reported that westbound lanes of Highway 401 were fully closed from Bloomfield Road to Queen’s Line near Chatham due to a collision involving a transport truck and a snowplow.

No serious injuries have been reported thus far.

Here we go again! Expecting anywhere from 10-40 cm of Snow across some areas in West Region. #OPP urging drivers to SLOW DOWN and drive according road & weather conditions! Staying home & OFF roadways would be safest place! #WROPP ^es pic. twitter. com/Sp AIbg7y Fc-OPP_WRP

OPP advises motorists traveling through these regions plan alternate routes while slowing down & driving carefully.P“As severe weather continues through West Region, OPP urges everyone avoid non-essential travel & drive per road/weather conditions,” they shared via social media post.
Windsor Police Service cautioned citizens Saturday reminding them drive safely & check upon vulnerable neighbors due extreme cold temperatures.” WATCH | How To Drive Safely In Snowy Winter Conditions:

Here’s how To Drive Safely In Snowy Winter WeatherJacob Hammoud , operations manager at i Drive , shares safety tips regarding winter driving.

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