WEATHER ALERT
ENVIRONMENT CANADA
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Snow squall warning replaces snow squall watch for:
Niagara Falls - Welland - Southern Niagara Region, Ont. (046720)
Current details:
Snow squalls are expected. Under the snow squall bands, visibilities will be significantly reduced due to the heavy snow combined with blowing snow, and snow will quickly accumulate.
Lake effect snow squalls beginning near midnight.
Hazards:
Significantly reduced visibility at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.
Snowfall accumulations of 10 to 20 cm by Sunday afternoon.
Southwest winds gusting up to 80 km/h.
Timing:
Tonight into Sunday.
Discussion:
Lake effect snow squalls are forecast to begin near midnight and will continue through Sunday afternoon before moving south of the area Sunday evening.
In addition, southwesterly winds gusting up to 80 km/h will accompany these snow squalls resulting in significantly reduced visibility in blowing snow.
Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.
If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
More details on the alert are available here.
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ORIGINAL REPORT
A snow squall watch is in effect for part of the Niagara Region.
Environment Canada has issued the advisory for the Niagara Falls - Welland - Southern Niagara Region.
It says lake effect snow squalls are expected to begin near midnight and continue through Sunday afternoon before moving south of the area Sunday evening.
“In addition, southwesterly winds gusting up to 70 km/h will accompany these snow squalls resulting in significantly reduced visibility in blowing snow,” the watch stated.
The area could see 10 to 20 cm of snow accumulation by Sunday afternoon which could create hazardous travel conditions.
“Visibility may be significantly and suddenly reduced to near zero. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow,” Environment Canada said.
