Snow squalls that have been burying midwestern Ontario under a heavy white blanket of snow, making travel near impossible, will continue into Wednesday.
The lake effect snow off Lake Huron began falling Monday and is expected to drop an additional 20 to 40 centimetres of snow Tuesday through Wednesday afternoon, according to Environment Canada. There is a possibility the total snowfall amount could exceed 50 centimetres by Thursday morning.
Huron County, Perth County, and southern Bruce County are under an orange-level snow squall warning, while Grey County and north Wellington County have a yellow-level snow squall warning in place. Bruce Peninsula has a blowing snow advisory in effect.
Environment Canada believes the snow squall bands may weaken somewhat for a time during the day Tuesday before intensifying again in the evening. Widespread blowing snow will have visibility reduced to near zero at times with winds gusting up to 70 kilometres an hour. The winds are expected to ease in the evening.
Most municipalities in the region have declared significant weather events. The declaration advises drivers that it will take longer than usual to clear roads and sidewalks.
West Region OPP report being called to multiple collisions and vehicles being stuck in snow drifts Monday into Tuesday morning.
"Please limit all non-essential travel as it is possible to get stuck in a snow drift and emergency crews not be able to reach you for several hours," Perth OPP warned on social media.
There are numerous road closures and cancellations across the region due to the hazardous conditions. The full list can be seen at CKNXNewsToday.ca/closures or by clicking here.
