Midwestern Ontario is bracing for another significant snowfall today, with Environment Canada issuing urgent snow squall warnings across the region. The warnings indicate hazardous conditions resulting from heavy lake-effect snow mixed with strong winds coming off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
The weather agency forecasts snowfall amounts to accumulate between 15 to 25 centimeters throughout Wednesday, January 29, 2025. This follows a day when many areas received significant snowfall, including up to 30 centimeters at Sauble Beach. The advisory noted, "Bursts of heavy flurries along a cold front this morning will give way to snow squalls," highlighting the transition from lighter snow to intense squalls.
Northwesterly winds gusting up to 70 kilometers per hour are expected, which could lead to considerably reduced visibility. Drivers are getting the warning to prepare for rapidly changing travel conditions. "If visibility is reduced whilst driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop," said Environment Canada, underscoring the dangers associated with sudden shifts in weather.
Many roads across Midwestern Ontario are already affected due to the recent snowfall, with more than 25 roads closed following Tuesday's snowstorms. Among them, Highway 21 between Goderich and Port Elgin and Highway 6 from Wiarton to Tobermory are inaccessible due to adverse weather conditions. Schools across the Huron-Perth and Grey-Bruce areas have also faced cancellations, with North Wellington schools closed entirely due to the harsh weather.
Parents and children aren't the only ones affected; reports indicate widespread outages as well. The Lucknow area lost power at one point, affecting nearly 1,800 Hydro One customers. This has added to the woes, causing several child care centers to close their doors on Wednesday.
Although the severe conditions may taper off later today, forecasters are warning residents to stay alert as snow squalls can create colliding conditions rapidly. The impact can create severe visibility limitations and slippery surfaces on roads, highways, parking lots, and walkways. "Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow," the advisory noted, fortifying the need for caution on the roads.
Certain areas of southern Ontario, including regions like Toronto, Niagara, and Kingston, are also under advisories for brief snow bursts heading across as the cold front progresses. Accumulations of two to five centimeters are predicted, with the potential for local drifting snow, compounding the existing icy conditions throughout the region.
Reports from across southern Ontario have noted thundersnow linked with recent weather patterns, where thunder and lightning were observed alongside heavy snow, particularly around the Woodstock and Hamilton areas. One resident provided visual evidence of this at Sauble Beach, showing the beach sign completely buried under drifts reaching to nearby stop signs.
Environment Canada's meteorologists are keeping close tabs on the developments as conditions evolve. The agency is advising residents to monitor local forecasts closely for any rapidly changing updates, especially for those planning to travel.
Residents are reminded to prepare adequately for the worsening weather. The combination of wind, heavy snowfall, and plummeting visibility can create dangerous conditions—not just on the roads but also for daily activities impacted by the overall snowy chaos. To stay informed, individuals can check for traffic updates and school closures through local news outlets or directly on the CKNX closures page.
By the time the weather eases, conditions should improve by midnight, allowing for clearer skies and reduced wind speeds. Until then, authorities urge everyone to prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions stabilize again.