A late-season winter storm moving across Central and Eastern Canada has resulted in a number of collisions, including a multi-vehicle pileup in Ontario involving at least 12 tractor-trailers

The crash occurred at around 1 p.m. on Highway 401 at the Drumbo Road exit, near Kitchener, Ont.

OPP say the collision involved up to 30 vehicles and has closed the eastbound lanes of the busy highway, from Cedar Creek Road to Highway 403. No injuries have been reported and it is expected the eastbound lanes of the highway will remain closed for several hours.

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In southern Ontario, snow and blowing wind has enveloped most of the area, becoming quite heavy at times. Most communities can expect up to 15 centimetres of snow paired with chilly winds. The heaviest snowfall is expected to blanket the area north of Lake Erie and sections of eastern Ontario. In warmer areas, precipitation may start as rain or freezing rain, but will change to snow as the temperature drops.

Regions directly on the coast of the lakes are under a weather warning, and could be hit with as many as 25 centimetres of snow. Brisk winds of up to 70 km/h could result in blizzard conditions with low visibility.

Environment Canada predicts 30 to 50 centimetres of snow along the Appalachians and east of the lower Quebec north shore. Regions closer to the St. Lawrence River will see 15 to 25 centimetres. Most of southern Quebec will be affected by strong winds of up to 80 km/h, which will reduce visibility when combined with snow.

Later Wednesday and continuing into Thursday, Environment Canada warns of up to 35 centimetres of snow in New Brunswick, as the low pressure system continues eastward.

Residents of northern New Brunswick can expect snow, wind and cold temperatures, creating blizzard-like conditions. The southern parts of the province are at risk of the snow turning to ice pellets and freezing rain overnight.

Thirty to 50 milimetres of rain will fall in Nova Scotia overnight and into Thursday. There is a chance of winter storm conditions in the northern parts of the province, where temperatures will be slightly colder.

Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland will also be hit by a combination of snow, ice pellets and freezing rain on Wednesday evening. It is predicted that most of the Labrador region will miss the worst of the storm.