Snow squall warnings and special weather statement in effect

(Source: Environment Canada)

A special weather statement has been issued for the London region and across southwestern Ontario.

Snow squall warnings are also in effect for parts of Huron, Bruce and Perth counties.

Lake effect snow squalls off Lake Huron are expected today and could lead to reduced visibility with heavy snow and blowing snow.

Local snowfall amounts of five to 15 cm are expected later in the morning and throughout the afternoon.

Winds are expected to shift from west to northwest through the day, which means, snow squalls are not expected to remain over any given location for a long period of time.

In London, a cold front will create strong winds of between 60 to 80 km/h throughout the day Friday, while falling temperatures will result in surfaces becoming icy and slippery, according to Environment Canada.

Road closures in the area

Police are urging drivers to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary due to “severe” weather.

There are multiple road closures due to poor visibility and deteriorating road conditions:

• Highway 23 between Highway 7 and Whalen Line
• Highway 8 between Mitchell and Stratford
• Highway 4 between Exeter and Clinton

Here’s a look at the rest of the forecast

Friday: Flurries. Local amount 2 to 4 cm. Wind west 40 km/h gusting to 60. Temperature falling to minus 7 this afternoon. Wind chill near minus 16.

Friday Night: Cloudy with 30 percent chance of flurries this evening then partly cloudy. Wind west 30 km/h gusting to 50 becoming light overnight. Temperature steady near minus 8. Wind chill near minus 16.

Saturday: Mainly cloudy. Wind becoming southwest 30 km/h gusting to 50 in the morning. High plus 1. Wind chill minus 13 in the morning. UV index 1 or low.

Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. Windy. High minus 6.

Monday: Cloudy. High zero.

Tuesday: Cloudy with 60 per cent chance of flurries or rain showers. High plus 5.

Bus cancellations

• School purpose vehicles are cancelled for the day in Middlesex, Oxford, Elgin counties, and Red Zone.
• Bus routes in the City of London will start on schedule

Huron-Perth

Bruce-Grey