Winter Weather Alert: Up to 20 cm of Snow Expected

As Taylor Swift says: Are you ready for it?

“It” being more snow.

The Waterloo region and northern Wellington County are back under a snowfall warning. An Alberta clipper is set to pass through the area, bringing snow starting Wednesday morning with as much as 20 cm expected before the system moves on.

Guelph and southern Wellington County were not included in the snowfall warning issued Tuesday afternoon.

“The snow is expected to become more intermittent Wednesday night, with steadier snowfall transitioning into periods of heavy lake effect snow,” according to the yellow weather alert from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Due to the snow and wind, travel conditions will likely be difficult.

“Roads and walkways will likely be hard to navigate because of accumulating snow. Visibility may also be reduced at times. Be prepared for rapidly changing and worsening travel conditions. Allow extra time if you’re heading out,” the alert states.

“The lake effect snow could continue into Thursday, with more organized snow squalls possible. Wind gusts near 50 km/h will lead to blowing snow, especially in areas exposed to wind.”

On X, formerly Twitter, Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Ed Sanchuk advised drivers to stay aware of shifting weather conditions.

“It could make both morning and evening commutes quite challenging,” he mentioned in a video post, urging drivers to expect snowy and slick roads.

“When you see snow, go slow. When you see ice, think twice,” he added. “Pack an ample supply of patience.”

Kitchener Faces Heavy Winds and Snow This Winter

Whether you enjoy or dislike it, the Waterloo region has definitely had its fair share of snow over the past couple months after an early storm on November 9th.

The E. D. Soulis Weather Station at the University of Waterloo noted that November was the snowiest November in Waterloo region since 1950.

Last month turned out to be the second coldest December in two decades alongside above-average precipitation that included both rain and snow, according to their reports.

Steven Flisfeder, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, mentions that this area is indeed experiencing more snowfall than usual; it might feel even more so due to recent milder winters.

“Kitchener itself has probably seen more snow this winter compared to nearby areas. However, typical snow belts just east of Lake Huron and southeast of Georgian Bay have certainly received even heavier amounts so far this winter.” He told CBC K-W about how those areas have been consistently hit hard like Kitchener but often receive much larger amounts when they do get snowfall.”

“For some reason this winter, Kitchener has been right in the bullseye for winds directing lake effect snows from those systems.”

The forecast indicates that clouds and flurries are expected throughout Waterloo region until Saturday.

Tune in Wednesday morning on CBC K-W’s The Morning Edition for more on this winter weather update. Frank Seglenieks from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s National Hydrological Service will join host Craig Norris for a discussion about what we’ve experienced over these last two months.

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