A winter storm watch is in effect.
For today, we'll see a mix of sun and cloud, wind 20 km/h this afternoon and the high plus 2.
Mainly cloudy tonight, chance of flurries before morning and the low -4.
Snow starts Wednesday morning with snowfall amounts of about 5 cm but the major storm is forecasted to begin Wednesday night.
Here are the details of the winter storm watch in effect for:
- Barrie - Collingwood - Hillsdale
- Midland - Coldwater - Orr Lake
- Orillia - Lagoon City - Washago
A low pressure area emerging from Texas is expected to intensify into a major winter storm as it tracks northeast towards the Great
Lakes on Wednesday.
Latest indications suggest the moisture laden Texas low will track northeastward just south of Lakes Erie and Ontario Wednesday night and Thursday.
Snow, heavy at times, is expected to spread northward across the regions on Wednesday, and likely continue Wednesday night into Thursday.
As this winter storm is going to pick up considerable moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, significant total snowfall amounts of 20 to 30 cm are quite likely across the region, with locally higher amounts possible.
Travelling conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly shortly after the snow arrives on Wednesday.
Brisk east to northeast winds will also result in local blowing and drifting snow, contributing to hazardous travelling conditions.
Environment Canada is closely monitoring this situation, and this winter storm watch may eventually be upgraded to warnings as this event draws closer.
Avoid travel if possible. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations.
Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.
Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery.
Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays.
Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports to #ONStorm.
