Swath of watches, warnings, and advisories issued as storm bears down on Ontario

CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison brings you the latest forecast details ahead of a large winter storm arriving in the region this evening.

A winter storm is barreling down on southern Ontario this evening – with a variety of precipitation, watches, warnings, and travel advisories in effect.

“The main factor will be a snowfall overnight and it will continue to intensify,” warned CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison. “Freezing rain warnings [are] in effect along the northern shoreline of Lake Erie… Oxford County [is] under a winter storm warning.”

Some areas could see as much as 35 centimetres of snowfall.

If you have the option, it’s best to stay home tonight, “It is going to be a rough night on area roads, and heading into tomorrow morning, commuters will need to pack their patience,” said Atchison.

Heavy snowfall will continue in the early morning, tapering off by roughly 8:00 a.m.

Watches and warnings

Environment Canada has issued a swath of watches and warnings for Ontario ahead of the storm. Here in London, it has issued a snowfall warning.

“Snow has begun and will become heavy at times this evening,” said Environment Canada in it’s warning. “Snowfall amounts near 15 cm are possible. This snowfall will impact the evening commute. Snow may become mixed with ice pellets late this evening or overnight. There is also a risk of freezing rain.”

There are also snowfall warnings in effect for Oxford, Lambton, Huron, Perth and Bruce Counties.

Norfolk County and Essex County are under freezing rain warnings.

Here’s your London area forecast

Wednesday night: Snow at times heavy becoming mixed with ice pellets near midnight. Risk of freezing rain overnight. Snow and ice pellet amount 10 to 15 cm. Wind east 30 km/h gusting to 50 becoming light this evening. Wind becoming west 20 gusting to 40 overnight. Temperature rising to minus 1 by morning. Wind chill minus 11 this evening and minus 6 overnight.

Thursday: Cloudy. 60 per cent chance of light snow changing to 60 per cent chance of flurries in the morning. Risk of freezing drizzle in the morning. Wind northwest 40 km/h gusting to 70. High minus 1 with temperature falling to minus 6 in the afternoon. Wind chill minus 9 in the morning and minus 14 in the afternoon. UV index 2 or low.

Thursday night: Cloudy with 60 per cent chance of flurries in the evening and after midnight. Clearing overnight. Wind west 30 km/h gusting to 50. Low minus 12. Wind chill minus 13 in the evening and minus 20 overnight.

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. High minus 7.

Saturday: Periods of snow. High minus 1.