Significant weather event declared in Owen Sound amid weather warning

Blowing snow creates low visibility on the roads A blizzard warning turned to a snow squall warning throughout Grey County on Thursday, creating near-zero visibility on the roads.

The City of Owen Sound has declared a significant weather event with the region under a blizzard warning on Thursday as lake-effect snow squalls hammer the area.

“Travel is expected to be extremely hazardous due to widespread poor visibility,” stated Environment Canada.

The wicked weather is expected to bring anywhere from 40 to 80 centimetres of snow accumulation right into Friday across Grey County, with gusty westerly winds up to 80 kilometres per hour creating near-zero visibility.

The national weather agency anticipates the blizzard conditions to ease later Thursday afternoon, but the heavy snowfall will continue over the next 24 hours.

The City’s declaration of a significant weather event gives residents notice service levels and road closures are likely.

“Restoring the roads to optimal conditions may take longer than usual,” the City stated on its website.

All streets and sidewalks in Owen Sound are in a “state of repair” until the declaration has ended.

Later Thursday afternoon, the blizzard warning shifted to a snow squall warning.