Snow squalls, strong winds to batter parts of southwestern Ontario

Blowing snow and strong winds are expected to reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions across parts of southwestern Ontario through Tuesday morning.

Environment Canada has issued a yellow blowing snow warning for Waterloo Region and Guelph, cautioning that gusty westerly winds combined with lake effect snow could lead to poor visibility in exposed areas.

The national weather agency said winds may gust up to 70 kilometres per hour Tuesday morning, creating areas of blowing snow. Local snowfall totals of up to 10 centimetres are possible.

Forecasters said conditions could make travel difficult, particularly where near-zero visibility develops. Drivers are being advised to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Winds are expected to gradually ease Tuesday morning.

More severe conditions are expected closer to Lake Huron.

An orange snow squall warning remains in effect for areas including Stratford, Minto and North Perth, where intense bands of lake effect snow could produce local snowfall amounts of 20 to 30 centimetres.

Environment Canada said snow squalls in those areas will be accompanied by westerly to northwesterly winds gusting between 70 and 80 kilometres per hour.

“Travel will likely be extremely hazardous,” the advisory read in part. “Visibility will likely be suddenly reduced to near-zero at times. Road closures are possible. Utility outages are likely. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.”

Conditions are expected to slowly improve Tuesday afternoon.

A special weather statement remains in effect for parts of southwestern Ontario, warning of strong winds gusting between 70 and 90 kilometres per hour through Tuesday morning.