Blizzard, snow squall warnings in effect, as much as 80cm possible in some areas

More snow is expected to roll through the region this afternoon, and it’s coming out swinging.

A blizzard warning is in effect for Grey County, northern Huron County, and southern Bruce County.

A blizzard warning is issued when winds of 40 km/hr or greater are expected to cause widespread reductions in visibility to 400 metres or less, due to blowing snow, or blowing snow in combination with falling snow, for at least 4 hours.

Hazardous lake effect snow squalls are expected Wednesday night through Friday. Blizzard conditions are likely late overnight and Thursday morning. Strong westerly winds gusting up to 80 km/h will develop late overnight into Thursday morning. Snowfall amounts greater than 80 cm are possible.

“Blowing snow, heavy accumulating snow will be a major issue off Lake Huron. Lake effect snow is expected to develop in the wake of this very strong cold front. Now temperatures are already starting to drop out there,” said CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison. “We are starting to see some of this snow move in off Lake Huron in Huron County as well as southern Bruce, but the blizzard like conditions are expected overnight.”

A snow squall warning has been issued for parts of Huron and Perth counties, including South Huron, Grand Bend, Goderich, Wingham, Stratford and St. Marys.

A snow squall watch has been issued is also in effect for parts of Perth County and Bruce County, including Saugeen shores, Owen Sound, and up through Tobermory.

“In terms of snowfall amounts, the highest amounts will be in through the interior of Huron and Perth County as well as Grey Bruce and the Bruce Peninsula could see close to 30 centimeters of snowfall specifically in the London area,” said Atchison.

The bitterly cold air isn’t projected to last though, “the melt returns – three degrees on Saturday and overcast with a chance of showers on Sunday, four degrees on Monday and plus five on Tuesday,” said Atchison.

The weather this week is set to be a roller coaster, so keep your eyes on the forecast for the most up to date information. 

 

Here’s your London area forecast

Wednesday: Cloudy. Rain showers and flurries beginning near noon then changing to flurries this afternoon. Wind west 30 km/h gusting to 50. Temperature falling to minus 2 this afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Mainly cloudy with 70 percent chance of flurries. Wind west 30 km/h gusting to 50. Low minus 9. Wind chill minus 8 this evening and minus 19 overnight.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. 70 per cent chance of flurries early in the morning. Wind west 40 km/h gusting to 60. Temperature steady near minus 8. Wind chill near minus 19.

Friday: Sunny. High minus 7.

Saturday: Cloudy. High plus 3.

Sunday: Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. High plus 3.