Key Takeaways
- Snow warnings are in effect for several parts of central and southern Ontario, with yellow warnings issued for snowfall
- The new weather alert system uses colors to show the seriousness of the weather, with yellow alerts indicating moderate, localized, and/or short-term hazardous weather
- Areas under warning include London, Kitchener, Guelph, Manitoulin Island, and parts of the Greater Toronto Area
- Snowfall amounts vary, with some areas expected to see 2-5 cm and others 5-10 cm
- Strong winds are expected in other areas, including Niagara Falls, Kingston, and the Golden Horseshoe, with gusts reaching 60-70 km/h
Introduction to the Weather Situation
The weather outside may be frightful, but some Ontario residents may soon get a reprieve from the snow, depending on where they live. Snow warnings are in effect for several parts of central and southern Ontario, with Environment Canada using its new alert system to issue yellow warnings for snowfall. The new system adds a color to each weather alert, with yellow, orange, and red indicating the seriousness of the weather. Yellow alerts are issued when hazardous weather may cause damage or disruption, or impact health, and are considered moderate, localized, and/or short-term.
Affected Areas and Snowfall Amounts
The current yellow warnings stretch south to cities such as London, Kitchener, and Guelph, west to Manitoulin Island, and north to Huntsville and Cedar Lake. Parts of the Greater Toronto Area are also under warnings, including Peterborough, Markham, Milton, and Vaughan. These areas are forecast to see additional snowfall on Sunday, with varying amounts expected. For example, places like Cobourg and London are expected to see 2-5 cm of snow, while other areas, such as Kitchener and Manitoulin Island, are forecast to receive 5-10 cm. Environment Canada says the snow is expected to transition to flurries in most areas and will likely change to rain showers midday in several communities.
Special Weather Statements and Strong Winds
There are also several special weather statements in effect for some cities, with some, including Sault Ste Marie and West Nippissing-French River, expected to see between 5 and 10 additional centimeters of snow into the evening. Other cities, such as Niagara Falls, Kingston, and the majority of the Golden Horseshoe, including Toronto and Hamilton, are under a special weather statement for strong winds. These winds are expected to begin later in the morning, with strong southwesterly gusts that could hit 60-70 km/h. The winds will ease in the evening, but Environment Canada cautions that local utility outages are possible. According to Hydro One, several outages have been reported in the province, impacting hundreds of customers.
Travel and Safety Precautions
Those facing the snow are urged to make additional time for travel, as snow buildup will make roads and walkways difficult to navigate, and visibility will be reduced. It is essential to exercise caution when traveling and to check the latest weather forecast and road conditions before heading out. Additionally, residents are advised to be prepared for potential power outages and to have a plan in place in case of an emergency. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, Ontario residents can stay safe and navigate the winter weather conditions.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the winter weather situation in Ontario is complex, with snow warnings and special weather statements in effect for various parts of the province. While some areas may see significant snowfall, others will experience strong winds and potential power outages. By understanding the new weather alert system and staying informed about the latest forecast, residents can take necessary precautions to stay safe and navigate the winter weather conditions. It is essential to prioritize safety and take the necessary steps to prepare for potential disruptions, ensuring a safe and comfortable winter season for all.
