Drivers beware: Special weather statements issued for large swath of Ontario

Police respond to a crash outside Elora on Dec. 14, 2013.

Environment Canada is warning drivers to prepare for hazardous road conditions tonight and tomorrow as wintery weather blasts much of southern Ontario.

The agency has issued special weather statements for Wellington Region, Oxford and Brant counties, as well as Simcoe and Norfolk counties. Huron and Perth counties can also expect snowfall.

A full list of weather alerts for southern Ontario can be found here.

“Current indications suggest 10 to 15 cm snowfall [is] possible for many areas over southwestern and south-central Ontario by tonight,” Environment Canada writes in a release.

The agency says this could be the first significant snowfall for some areas.

People in Toronto, meanwhile, are bracing for a winter storm that could dump up to 20 cm of snow on the city over the next 24 hours.

“Wind speeds are also going to be gusting up to 50 km/h and because of those winds we could see blowing or drifting snow and that could reduce visibility on the roads,” says CP24 Weather Specialist Jamie Gutfreund.

Police are asking motorists to stay off the roads when conditions are poor.

They’re also reminding drivers to top up their fluids and to brush snow and ice from all windows, mirrors and lights before driving.

With files from The Canadian Press and CP24.com

CTV’s Carina Sledz will have more tonight on CTV News at Six.