Tuesday, February 25th 2020, 6:20 pm - PLAN AHEAD: Motorists should prepare for poor winter driving conditions Wednesday, due to low visibilities in heavy and quickly accumulating snow.
Environment Canada has issued snowfall and winter storm warnings across southern, central and eastern Ontario, ahead of an incoming potent Texas low that threatens upwards of 40 cm in some areas through Thursday morning. Plan ahead for travel Wednesday and only do so if it's necessary. Travellers should consider postponing non-essential travel until after the winter storm. We have the latest timing and details on this significant storm, plus a look at the hazardous lake-effect setup that will develop following the low's exit, below.
SPRING FORECAST: The Weather Network will release its seasonal outlook on Wednesday, February 26. Be sure to check back to see what Spring 2020 has in store!
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS
- Major Texas low to begin impacting southern Ontario Wednesday morning
- School bus cancellations possible on Wednesday
- Bands of lake-effect snow develop on Thursday persisting into Saturday with the threat for whiteouts at times
- Keep track of active weather alerts in your area
WEDNESDAY: TEXAS LOW TO BRING SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL, COMMUTE TIMES WILL BE AFFECTED
Wednesday's widespread heavy snow is thanks to a major Texas low, which is expected to be at its worst through the evening and overnight hours before easing off to flurries early Thursday.
For the GTA, snow will develop Wednesday morning, likely impacting the commute as roads become slick. Snow will continue through the day, but most of the time it will be light. The snow will become heavier during the late afternoon and evening hours, and continue through the overnight. Travel will be very slow and difficult.
Widespread snow totals will range depending on where you are in southern Ontario. 10-20 cm is forecast across the southwest through Niagara and areas west of the GTA, with lower snowfall amounts expected for areas along northern Lake Erie shorelines as the snow will likely transition to a rain/snow mix for part of the evening and overnight. Totals will reach 15-20 cm across most of the GTA, but 20+ cm is expected east of Toronto.
Snowfall amount will increase for areas to the north and east of the GTA, with the heaviest amounts expected to be across Grey-Bruce County, parts of central and eastern Ontario, including the City of Ottawa, where upwards of 30+cm could fall through Thursday morning.
"Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas," warns Environment Canada in snowfall warnings that cover the GTA and parts of southern and central Ontario.