Blizzard conditions, squalls and blowing snow in southwestern Ontario

A blizzard warning has been issued for parts of the province. CTV's Ashley Bacon tells us how much snow we can expect.

Southwestern Ontario is getting hit with even more wicked winter weather.

Environment Canada warned of snow squalls starting on Monday afternoon for Waterloo Region, Guelph, Elora, Erin, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Woodstock, Ingersoll and Tillsonburg.

Those areas were expected to get between 5 to 10 cm of snow.

The biggest concern, however, was the whiteout conditions.

Environment Canada said blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility on the roads as winds were expected to reach 60 to 80 km/h.

“Travel will likely be hazardous due to near-zero visibility,” they warned. “Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.”

Temperatures are also expected to drop. Environment Canada said Monday’s high would only reach minus 9 degrees Celcius, while the overnight low would hit minus 16 degrees Celsius but feel closer to minus 27.

Blizzard warning

A blizzard warning was issued on Monday for communities closest to Lake Huron. Environment Canada said Stratford, Listowel and Goderich could get between 10 to 25 cm of snow, while areas further north, including Mount Forest, Flesherton and Tobermory, could expect 20 to 40 cm of snow.

The agency also warned of wind gusts ranging from 60 km/h to 90 km/h.

“Strong westerly winds will develop this afternoon, producing blizzard conditions and blowing snow,” the alert said. “Snow drifting will be most pronounced in open and wind exposed areas. Winds and blowing snow will diminish later this evening, however, snow squalls will continue into the overnight.”

Whiteout warnings

Some roads across the province shut down Monday, including the westbound lanes of Highway 401 just outside of Woodstock around 7 a.m. Ontario Provincial Police said a vehicle slammed into the centre median and left debris scattered across the opposite lane of traffic, causing two additional crashes. There were no injuries, according to a social media post from the OPP’s Oxford County detachment.

“Avoid travel and outdoor activities, if possible,” Environment Canada advised. “If you must travel, have an emergency plan. Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle. If you become lost or stranded, remain where you are until conditions improve.”

Wiarton worries

Southern Georgian Bay and Wiarton were expected to get the worst of it.

The forecast showed 10 to 20 cm of snow on Monday, with another 15 to 25 cm of the white stuff overnight. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, those areas could get an additional 10 cm of snow Tuesday.

The cold likely won’t help either. Environment Canada said, with the windchill, it will feel closer to minus 20 or minus 25 degrees.

Tuesday could bring a brief weather break but won’t last long as a deep freeze is expected later this week.