A winter storm warning is now in effect for much of southern Ontario, with a low-pressure system from the U.S. expected to bring heavy snow into the region tomorrow.
On Monday afternoon Environment Canada upgraded a winter storm watch previously issued for much of the province, including Toronto, Hamilton and the regions of Halton, Peel, York and Durham.
“A low pressure system developing over Texas today will head towards the Lower Great Lakes and is expected to spread an area of snow into Southern Ontario Tuesday and Tuesday night,” an advisory from the national weather agency says.
The storm, Environment Canada says, has the potential to produce snowfall amounts between 15 and 30 centimetres in some areas, with the heaviest snowfall expected Tuesday night.
Freezing ice pellets and freezing rain are also possible.
Areas north of the GTA are already seeing some intense winter weather.
A snow squall warning was issued by Environment Canada Monday afternoon for a number of areas, including Barrie, Gravenhurst, Huntsville and Algonquin. The agency says heavy snow and strong wind gusts could result in zero visibility for drivers.
Motorists are advised to adjust to the conditions as snow may reduce visibility and create sloppy conditions on the roads.
“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas,” Environment Canada said.
The city began applying salt to the roads Sunday evening as flurries from a separate system laid down about a centimeter of snow.
With temperatures expected to stay at or below 0 C through Friday, the snow will likely stay on the ground for at least a few days before temperatures climb above freezing again on the weekend.
