This weekend, southwestern Ontario is bracing for a bitterly cold and snowy forecast, as Environment Canada has issued alerts for both blizzard conditions and extreme cold temperatures.
An orange blizzard warning affects London, Huron, and Middlesex Counties, along with eastern Lambton County. Meanwhile, a yellow warning for extreme cold covers all of southwestern Ontario.
Blizzard conditions began Friday afternoon, with expected snowfall totals ranging from 15 to 20 centimetres by Saturday morning. The weather agency cautioned that strong winds gusting up to 80 kilometres per hour will create near-zero visibility at times.
“For those exposed areas, particularly near the Lake Huron shore, visibility is going to be atrocious,” said Trudy Kidd, a meteorologist with Environment Canada. “Travel will be very dangerous. It’s best to avoid it if possible.”
![]()
Environment Canada has issued a yellow warning for extreme cold across southwestern Ontario, and an orange warning for blizzard conditions in Huron and Middlesex Counties, as well as eastern Lambton County. (Environment Canada)
Kidd explained that the winter storm is caused by a low-pressure system moving into the region combined with northwesterly winds bringing lake-effect snow squalls off Lake Huron along with frigid Arctic air.
Temperatures are expected to plummet sharply on Friday night, resulting in wind chill values between -30 C and -35 C. Kidd noted that this intense cold will persist throughout the weekend, with daytime highs around -13 C on Saturday and dropping to -18 C overnight.
“I’m expecting the worst of it will be over by then,” she said.
Source link
Roads Closed Due to Severe Weather Conditions
The following road closures were reported as of 7:30 p. m. Friday due to “severe weather, poor visibility, and deteriorating road conditions,” according to police: Highway 23 (from Mitchell to Palmerston). Highway 21 (from Amberley to Port Elgin). Bruce Road 3 (from Paisley to Port Elgin) Highway 9 (from Kincardine to Bruce Road 1) Ilderton Road (from Denfield Road to Hyde Park Road) Additionally, multiple closures are affecting Highway 402 due to accidents. Westbound lanes are closed between Centre Road in Strathroy and Kerwood Road in Kerwood. All lanes are shut down in both directions between Mandaumin Road in Sarnia and Oil Heritage Road in Wyoming. Police are currently assessing injuries related to both incidents. Earlier accidents involving a turned-over transport truck and another vehicle that flipped into a ditch also led to closures on eastbound lanes of Highway 402; however, those lanes have since reopened. Police advise drivers exercise caution while on the roads. “The roadways are snow-covered. They’re slick, slippery, and in some cases ice-covered,” said OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk. “So you need to reduce your speed.” Kidd provided additional tips for anyone who must travel during the storm: carry jumper cables in your car along with warm winter clothing just in case trouble arises. If you have no choice but to go outside during these conditions, she advised bundling up – frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin when it’s windy. Kidd anticipates that the worst of the storm should taper off by Sunday night when only flurries are forecasted.“I’m expecting the worst of it will be over by then,” she said.
Source link
