Much of southern Ontario is under snowfall or freezing rain warnings from Environment Canada as a low pressure system travelling from the U.S. is expected to bring hazardous conditions.
The weather agency says regions in the southwestern tip of the province including Sarnia, Waterloo, York, Halton-Peel and Hamilton will see freezing rain early Thursday morning that will last through the early afternoon.
The Belleville, Peterborough and York Durham regions are being warned of heavy snowfall totaling 15 to 20 centimetres starting Thursday afternoon and continuing into the evening.
Other southern Ontario regions like Cornwall and Barrie remain under special weather statements and advisories for Thursday and Friday, as well as some parts of northern Ontario including Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie.
The weather agency says some southwestregions, such as Grey County and Middlesex, may see heavy wind gusts near 70 kilometres per hour.
Environment Canada is warning the public that highways, roads and walkways may become slippery or difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.
It says rush-hour traffic in urban areas may be significantly affected, and drivers and pedestrians should take extra care due to reduced visibility.
For eastern regions under special statements and weather advisories like Cornwall and Brockville, the weather agency is warning the public to consider postponing non-essential travel during the storm, as the heavy snow will reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions.
The Superior West region in northern Ontario has been issued a winter storm warning, with significant snowfall expected to total 20 to 40 centimetres by Friday morning.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 14, 2022.
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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
The Canadian Press
