Key Takeaways
- An orange level watch for a snow squall has been issued for Orillia, Lagoon City, and Washago, with an impact level of extreme and forecast confidence of high.
- Blizzard conditions with near zero visibility, strong wind gusts of 70 to 90 km/h, and total local snowfall amounts of 20 to 40 cm are expected.
- The snow squall is expected to begin on Monday afternoon and ease to scattered flurries by Tuesday afternoon, affecting areas west of Highway 12.
- Travel may be hazardous, and some routes may be impassable due to widespread blowing snow and blizzard conditions.
- Property or tree damage is possible, and road closures are likely, with the possibility of prolonged disruptions to transportation, services, and utilities.
Introduction to the Weather Alert
A significant weather alert has been issued by Environment Canada for the areas of Orillia, Lagoon City, and Washago. The alert is categorized as an orange level watch, indicating a high level of severity and potential impact. The forecast confidence is high, which means that the weather conditions are likely to occur as predicted. The impact level is extreme, suggesting that the weather conditions will have a significant effect on daily life, travel, and overall safety.
Details of the Snow Squall
The snow squall is expected to bring blizzard conditions with near zero visibility, making it extremely difficult to travel or navigate through the affected areas. Strong wind gusts of 70 to 90 km/h are forecasted, which will lead to widespread blowing snow and reduced visibility. The total local snowfall amounts are predicted to be between 20 to 40 cm, which is a significant amount of snow that can cause disruptions to daily life. The snow squall is expected to begin on Monday afternoon and will continue until Tuesday afternoon, with the worst conditions expected during this time period.
Affected Areas and Travel Disruptions
The areas west of Highway 12 are expected to be the most affected by the snow squall. Travel may be hazardous, and some routes may be impassable due to the widespread blowing snow and blizzard conditions. Roads and walkways may be impassable due to accumulating snow, and road closures are possible. The weather conditions may also lead to property or tree damage, which can cause further disruptions to daily life. It is essential for residents and travelers to prepare for the possibility of quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions and to plan accordingly.
Preparation and Safety Measures
To stay safe during the snow squall, it is crucial to prepare for the possibility of prolonged disruptions to transportation, services, and utilities. Residents and travelers should monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada and plan their travel and daily activities accordingly. It is also essential to report any severe weather conditions to Environment Canada via email or social media using the hashtag #ONStorm. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can minimize the risks associated with the snow squall and stay safe during this period.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the snow squall warning issued by Environment Canada is a significant concern for the areas of Orillia, Lagoon City, and Washago. The extreme weather conditions are expected to cause disruptions to daily life, travel, and overall safety. It is essential for residents and travelers to prepare for the possibility of quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions and to take necessary precautions to stay safe. By staying informed and taking necessary measures, individuals can minimize the risks associated with the snow squall and stay safe during this period. It is also crucial to continue monitoring alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada and to report any severe weather conditions to help keep others informed and safe.