A winter storm is set to hit southwestern and midwestern Ontario Friday, but whether you get heavy snow, wet snow or rain all depends on where you live.
Environment Canada has upgraded a winter storm watch to a winter storm warning for London and Middlesex County, Sarnia-Lambton, Oxford County, Huron County, Grey County, Bruce County, and Perth County. The warning was extended Friday evening to Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent, while Elgin County and Norfolk County remain on a winter weather travel advisory.
According to the national weather agency, a Texas low is expected to bring heavy snow in the afternoon Friday. For more westerly regions like Windsor and Chatham-Kent, the snow is expected to be mixed with ice pellets before changing over to wet snow and eventually rain. Total snowfall amounts of 10 to 15 centimetres and rainfall accumulations up to 30 millimetres are possible.
The other regions under the warning are unlikely to see that transition to rain, meaning they could receive up to 20 centimetres of snow by Saturday morning. Blowing snow will also be an issue as winds are forecast to gust up to 70 kilometres per hour. People in Elgin County are expected to see slightly less snow, but what they do get is likely to be combined with ice pellets. Currently, Environment Canada believes that region could see between 10 to 15 centimetres of snow.
Under the heaviest band of snow, rapid accumulation combined with strong easterly winds are expected to make driving treacherous. Drivers are being told to adjust their driving accordingly as snow and ice will make roads and parking lots slippery. Visibility could also be reduced to near zero at times.
"There remains some uncertainty at this point to the placement of the heaviest snow," Environment Canada said. "Winter storm warnings or snowfall warnings may be issued as the event draws nearer."
The snow is expected to taper off Saturday morning.