Environment Canada is calling for dangerous blizzard conditions in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph regions later today and tonight.
Strengthening northwesterly winds are quickly blasting in bitterly cold Arctic air today in the wake of an intense winter storm that is moving across Southern Quebec. Flurries off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay will intensify into frequent strong snow squalls by this afternoon across the regions. Many of the snow squalls will extend quite far inland as the winds become quite strong and gusty. Local snowfall amounts of 15 to 30 cm are quite possible in snow squalls by Tuesday morning.
A combination of the dangerous snow squalls with extreme wind chills of minus 35 to minus 40 will produce frequent blizzard conditions this afternoon and tonight. Frequent to widespread very low to nil visibilities with near whiteout conditions are expected especially in exposed areas.
The combination of a fresh heavy snowfall from last night’s storm with intense snow squalls today and bitter wind chills poses a life-threatening risk for anyone outside for any duration, or stranded in vehicles if roads become snow-blocked. Travellers need to ensure they have an adequate car emergency kit and ample fuel if travelling any distance.
The blizzard conditions and wind chill will slowly ease somewhat on Tuesday although the snow squalls and blowing snow are likely to continue in many areas..
Please monitor the latest forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada at www.weatheroffice.gc.ca.
Operations Update:
Our plow crews have been out clearing the 8 inches (20 cm) of snow from last night’s storm. This afternoon and this evening, our snow removal crews will continue to cycle through our properties to open up major entrances and roadways with the use of plows to allow traffic flow and access by emergency vehicles. Once adequate plowing and clearing has been done to maintain safe and open conditions, the salt trucks will then be dispatched to required properties. Once the snow has ceased to fall, we will then complete all driveways, walkways and throughways based on your contract specifications.
Once the storm tapers off we will return for a final clean up, salt trucks will be dispatched to required properties and we will then complete all driveways, walkways and throughways based on your contract specifications.
Please show caution when entering or exiting properties, on sidewalks and on roads.
