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Roads closed as snow squalls continue in southern Ontario


Digital writers
theweathernetwork.com

Saturday, January 6, 2018, 5:38 PM - Several road closures were in place Saturday as snow squalls continued to produce whiteout conditions in southern Ontario.

Snow squall warnings remained in effect for Goderich, Huron County, London, and Sarnia on Saturday evening.

"Lake effect snow squalls are continuing to affect areas southeast of Lake Huron with the strongest squalls near Grand Bend extending southeastward to western sections of London," says Environment Canada. "Local snowfall amounts up to 15 cm per 12 hours are likely in the strongest snow squall bands and visibilities near zero are expected due to strong northwesterly winds making travel hazardous. The snow squalls will continue into this afternoon, however, will become localized."

Keep on top of active weather by visiting the ALERTS page.

Highlights

  • Snow squalls continue to hamper travel for areas southeast of Lake Huron
  • Extreme cold to persist through the weekend
  • Temperatures will start to rebound Sunday
  • Another round of snow is expected early next week

Dangerous snow squalls

At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Highway 402 eastbound remained closed between Nauvoo Road to Highway 401. Highway 402 westbound remained closed between Highway 401/402 split to Nauvoo Road.

Areas south of Lake Huron could pick up an additional 10-15 cm of snow into Monday.

Meanwhile, the extreme cold will persist through the weekend, with windchill values in the 30s. Warming centres have been opened in an effort to provide relief for the homeless through the duration of this unbearable cold snap. Officials warn that the risk for frostbite is high and can develop in as little as ten minutes when wind chill values are this extreme.

The dangerously cold temperatures coupled with heavy snowfall could cause life-threatening conditions for any drivers left stranded. Those with travel plans are urged to make the necessary preparations as the extreme cold and snow squall threat lingers.

Temperatures will start to rebound on Sunday as a southwesterly flow develops, and for those desperate for a winter thaw, there are signs of hope. The Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham warns that there's still a lot of winter weather to go, but January will eventually bring an extended period of milder weather. Read more on the January thaw here.

Monday's snowy commute

Looking ahead, a clipper system is expected to bring a widespread 5-10 cm of snow across southern Ontario Sunday evening into Monday.

"Snow starts to spread across the region Sunday evening into the overnight period, likely impacting the early Monday morning commute," says The Weather Network meteorologist Jessie Upal. "Chance of mixing with rain/snow as we get into the late Monday morning period as temperatures begin to climb above the freezing mark, especially towards southwestern Ontario."

The system looks to push off to the east by late Monday afternoon.

Check back for updates as we continue to monitor the forecast.

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