Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for London-Middlesex and Huron-Perth, and watches and warnings are in effect across southwestern Ontario.

The weather agency is warning of strong winds entering the region Friday ahead of a snow system. Wind speeds are forecast to reach 40 to 60 km/h with the potential for 80 km/h gusts.

Wind chill warnings have ended, but forecasters say five to 10 centimetres of snow is expected to fall Saturday.

Blowing snow is also a concern on area highways and Environment Canada has issued warnings for Huron - Perth, Mount Forest - Arthur - northern Wellington County and Grey - Bruce.

As of Friday evening road closures in Bruce County due to blowing snow and poor visibility included:

 

 

 

 

  • Highway 21 - Kincardine to Port Elgin in both directions.
  • Highway 9 - Kincardine to Walkerton in both directions
  • Bruce County Road # 15 - Tiverton (King Street) to Inverhuron (Albert Rd) in both directions
  • Bruce County Road 86 - Highway 21 (Amberley) to London Rd (Wingham) in both directions
  • Highway 6 - Wiarton to Tobermory

OPP are asking motorists to stay off the road as there are pockets of zero visibility and crashes and abandoned vehicles are already causing problems for crews trying to plow area roadways.

Updates in Bruce County roads can be found on the region's website or by calling 1-866-266-7569 and selecting option 2.

Updates for watches and warnings in the region can be found at: http://london.ctvnews.ca/weather

Cold weather alert extended

The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has extended the cold weather alert issued Monday until Thursday, Jan. 30 with extremely cold tempertures forecast to return Saturday and expected to last through much of next week.

Iqbal Kalski, environmental health manager with the MLHU, said in a statement "The temperatures we’re expecting over the weekend and next week will be cold enough to damage exposed skin and lead to hypothermia."

He added "It’s important for people to limit the time they spend outdoors in these conditions, but if they have to be outside, remember to dress in layers and cover exposed skin as much as possible."