Snow Squalls, Strong Winds to Create Hazardous Travel Conditions Across Parts of Ontario

Lake-effect snow and snow squalls are expected to impact several regions of Ontario on Monday, bringing hazardous travel conditions, reduced visibility and strong winds.

Areas east of Lake Huron and Picton, including Sandbanks Provincial Park, are forecast to see ongoing snow squalls with total snowfall amounts of 15 to 25 centimetres by midnight. Westerly wind gusts of 70 to 80 kilometres per hour are expected to develop in the afternoon, causing significant blowing snow and near-zero visibility at times. Winds are forecast to ease during the evening, though snow squalls are expected to continue into Tuesday. Power outages and road closures are possible.

Regions east of Georgian Bay are also expected to see lake-effect snow beginning early Monday morning and continuing throughout the day. Local snowfall amounts of 15 to 25 centimetres are possible before conditions taper to isolated flurries by evening. Blowing snow and reduced visibility may lead to difficult travel, and loose objects could be displaced by gusty winds.

Along the east shore of Lake Erie, lake-effect snow is expected to develop early Monday and persist through the day. Wind gusts near 70 kilometres per hour may cause localized blowing snow, with snowfall amounts of 10 to 20 centimetres possible by midnight.

Snow squalls will also affect areas along the east shore of Lake Huron and the east and northeast shores of Georgian Bay. Snow is expected to shift southward from previous days, with local snowfall totals of 10 to 15 centimetres. Wind gusts of 50 to 70 kilometres per hour may reduce visibility and contribute to blowing snow.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution, as rapidly changing conditions may lead to dangerous driving conditions across affected areas.