Severe winter storm conditions are about to sweep across Southern and Eastern Ontario, bringing damaging winds and considerable snowfall, starting Monday. Residents are advised to prepare for hazardous travel as the forecast predicts fierce winds and snow accumulation ranging from 5 to 20 centimeters, depending on the area.
According to Environment Canada, wind gusts are expected to reach between 80 to 90 km/h across much of Southern Ontario on Monday, with some localities potentially facing gusts exceeding 100 km/h. This storm, part of the final week's onset of winter, follows on the heels of advisories issued over the weekend.
Environment Canada issued weather warnings late Sunday, setting the stage for what could be one of the most turbulent starts to the week this season. Kingston and surrounding communities on Lake Ontario are bracing themselves for the impending winds, with forecasts predicting sustained gusts of 80 to 90 km/h, possibly peaking at around 100 km/h.
Following these forecasts, numerous areas—including Belleville—also issued warnings, anticipating powerful winds capable of causing extensive damage. Reports suggest potential power outages due to downed trees and airborne debris, with authorities cautioning residents to secure loose items outdoors.
The storm's cold front will bring about sharp drops in temperature, contributing to chilling additional wind-chill effects which could make outdoors feel much colder. Kingston, for example, is forecasted to experience highs just below zero, but with wind chills, it could feel significantly colder, lowering the temperature to -16°C.
Adding to the volatile weather conditions, snow squall warnings were briefly issued for Ottawa and parts of eastern Ontario, highlighting the risks posed by sudden, heavy flurries whipped up by strong winds. These squalls can obscure visibility and create dangerous travel conditions, prompting the lifting of warnings as conditions were re-assessed.
The anticipated snowfall is expected to arrive Monday afternoon, particularly affecting regions like Parry Sound and Muskoka, where snowfall could coincide with the peak wind conditions. The combination of high winds and even moderate snowfall could create blizzard-like conditions, especially where the two forces overlap.
Notably, some areas of Northern Ontario could see accumulations of 20 to 30 cm, particularly around Lake Superior, where lake-effect snow bands are expected to contribute substantially. Conversely, regions closer to urban centers might only accumulate 5 to 10 cm on average.
Southern Ontario residents should remain aware of weather updates as reports from Instant Weather Inc advise even more significant wind gust increments along the Lake Erie shoreline—potentially reaching gusts upwards of 120 km/h. These sustained and intensely powerful winds raise alarm for possible structural damage and power disruption.
Preparation is key as local authorities encourage individuals to stay updated and make contingency plans to manage potential outages. Warming centers are being set up, such as those operated by Kingston, to accommodate residents needing shelter as temperatures plunge.
Throughout this severe event, local councils and weather stations are taking proactive measures to inform the public about the worsening conditions. Some travel routes may become perilous, and updated advisories caution against unnecessary travel. Conditions are expected to begin to improve later on Monday evening, but residents are still advised to avoid being caught out during the worst of the storm.
While snowfall rates won't be extreme based on current predictions, the driving wind will create whiteout conditions, making visibility nearly impossible at times. The convergence of strong winds and snow squalls late Monday could result in sudden bursts of heavy precipitation and blowing snow, with snowfall totals as high as 5 cm per hour.
Environment Canada has emphasized the need for individuals to remain indoors during the peak of the storm. Many regions across Southern Ontario will see gradually late-day relief as winds begin to decline, but for those first affected by the cold front's push, conditions will initially wreak havoc on local traffic and safety.
By the end of the storm's impact, forecasts suggest the most snowfall will be concentrated over higher elevations of Central Ontario, particularly around Huntsville, where totals could land between 10 and 20 cm, shaping up to be one of the most significant winter storms many have encountered this season.
To navigate these conditions, residents should stay tuned to news updates, stay indoors as much as possible, and prepare for potential power outages and other storm-related disruptions. This winter weather will undoubtedly test the resilience of the areas it touches as Southern and Eastern Ontario braces for impact.