Expect travel delays with first widespread snow and winds across Ontario – The Weather Network

The first widespread and impactful snowy system of the season takes aim at the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Niagara, and Ottawa through Wednesday. Commuters can expect slow and slippery travel at times throughout the day, so plan to leave plenty of time to get to your destination on time, and safely.

There will be a wide range in snow totals, but many areas will see 5-10 cm by the end of Thursday. Areas along the immediate shorelines will see lower accumulations due to melting snow. Winter weather travel advisories are in effect warning of reduced visibility at times.

PHOTOS: Unrelenting snow squalls blast Ontario with major totals, impact travel

For those near Georgian Bay, from Cobourg to Kingston, and along Highway 21, snow squalls are expected, with the threat for blowing and quickly accumulating snow. In some areas, peak snowfall rates could reach 3 to 6 cm per hour, which would result in very poor visibility and driving conditions.

In addition to the travel risks and delays, it is possible for localized power outages due to the wet nature of the snow. Be sure to stay up to date on all of the weather warnings in your area, and have a plan in place as conditions deteriorate.

Wednesday: Snow pushes in, risk for locally heavy accumulations

Although the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has largely remained snow-free during the recent lake-effect snow events, that will change Wednesday as a clipper system sweeps through. It’s meeting the definition of a clipper, which typically brings more widespread, albeit lighter snowfall.

The system snowfall begins Wednesday morning and will last into Thursday across all of southern and eastern Ontario, and the GTA.