Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for the southern Kawarthas region for Wednesday (February 22), with a snowfall warning now in effect for the northern region.
The winter storm warning is in effect for southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County, and the snowfall warning is in effect for northern Peterborough County, northern Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and northern Hastings County.
An approaching Colorado low will bring a winter storm to much of southern Ontario, beginning early Wednesday evening into Thursday. In the southern Kawarthas region, light snow will become heavy at times early Wednesday evening. Snow may mix with ice pellets and freezing rain Wednesday night, with total amounts of snow and ice pellets between 15 and 25 cm.
Snow may mix with ice pellets Wednesday night, though snow is expected to remain the predominant precipitation type. Snow or ice pellets will taper off Thursday morning to patchy freezing drizzle. Snow accumulations may be lower in areas that experience a greater period of mixing with ice pellets.
The wintry mix will taper off Thursday morning to a risk of patchy freezing drizzle. Another wintry mix of precipitation is possible Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening.
In the northern region, snow (heavy at times) will develop Wednesday evening, with total amounts of 15 to 20 cm expected. The highest snowfall accumulations are expected south of a line from Bracebridge to Cornwall. There will be reduced visibility in heavy snow and local blowing snow.
Snow will become light Thursday morning and may become mixed with freezing drizzle. Another round of snow, possibly mixed with ice pellets, will affect the area Thursday afternoon and evening.
Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop
This story has been updated with the latest forecast from Environment Canada.
