Environment Canada has issued a snow squall watch for London-Middlesex and surrounding areas ahead of an arctice cold front expected to arrive on Saturday.
Also included in the bulletin issued Friday are:
- Watford - Pinery Park - eastern Lambton County
- Elgin
- Woodstock - Tillsonburg - Oxford County
- Huron - Perth
- Shelburne - Mansfield - northern Dufferin County
- Innisfil - New Tecumseth - Angus
- Grey - Bruce
- Barrie - Orillia - Midland
Environment Canada says brisk northwesterly winds over the Great Lakes are expected to follow the arctic cold front, bringing snow squalls southeast of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
Multiple snow squall bands are forecast to develop in the morning, and as winds become more northwesterly by Saturday evening, single bands are expected to develop off Lake Huron from Strathroy to London and off Georgian Bay from Barrie and Collingwood to Innisfil.
The heaviest squalls could produce 15 to 30 centimetres of snow per 12 hours.
The squalls are expected to last through Sunday before tapering off with visibilities near zero possible in snow squalls and blowing snow and hazardous driving conditions expected.
OPP asking drivers to be prepared
The Middlesex County OPP issued a statement Friday reminding motorists to plan ahead, stay alert and drive according to the conditions.
Drivers are asked to keep an eye on the forecast, make sure fluid levels are topped up and check all tires for proper pressure and tread level. If possible, police urge residents to make other plans, avoid the risk and stay home.
While driving, OPP say it's important to remove distractions, look well ahead and expect the unexpected.
Also, remember speed limits are for optimal road and weather conditions, so as weather gets worse, slow down. Make sure headlights are on so you can be seen and leave lots of space between you and the other vehicle in front of you.
Finally, OPP say don't forget to slow down and move over if possible when approaching emergency responders attending to accidents.
