Environment Canada has now issued winter storm warnings and snowfall warnings for the northern Kawarthas region for Tuesday afternoon (January 9) into Wednesday morning.
A winter storm warning is in effect for Haliburton County and Hastings Highlands, and a snowfall warning is in effect for northern Peterborough County and northern Kawartha Lakes.
Snow associated with a major winter storm is expected to arrive by Tuesday afternoon. Snow may be heavy at times with a risk of snow pellets and freezing rain on Tuesday night.
In Haliburton County and Hastings Highlands, the snow will continue into Wednesday morning with 15 to 30 cm of snow expected. Northeast winds gusting up to 50 km/h will result in areas of blowing snow giving poor visibility at times.
In northern Peterborough County and northern Kawartha Lakes, 15 to 20 cm of snow is expected, with locally higher amounts possible. Snow may be heavy at times with a risk of freezing rain. The snow is expected to change to rain Tuesday night as temperatures rise above the freezing mark.
Difficult travel conditions will be likely, particularly later Tuesday and Tuesday night. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
In southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County, a winter weather travel advisory is in effect.
In southern Peterborough County and southern Kawartha Lakes, 10 to 15 cm of snow is expected, with locally higher amounts possible. Snow may be heavy at times with a risk of freezing rain. The snow is expected to change to rain Tuesday night as temperatures rise above the freezing mark.
In Northumberland County, snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 cm are possible, although amounts may be significantly lower closer to Lake Ontario where snow may change to rain sooner. At this point, it appears that the heaviest snow will arrive after the morning commute, but that the afternoon commute could be significantly impacted. In areas near Lake Ontario, if the snow changes to rain earlier, rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm appear possible.
This story has been updated with the latest forecast from Environment Canada.
