Environment Canada has now issued a winter storm warning for most of the Kawarthas region for Friday night (January 12) to Saturday night.
The winter storm warning, which was previously a winter storm watch, is in effect for Haliburton County, Hastings Highlands, Peterborough County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. A winter weather travel advisory is in effect for Northumberland County.
Snow is forecast to begin early Friday evening and will quickly become heavy at times, before transitioning to periods of rain overnight or early Saturday morning as temperatures rise above freezing. Strong southeasterly winds gusting up to 70 km/h will combine with this heavy snow to cause significantly reduced visibility at times.
In Haliburton County and Hastings Highlands, total snowfall accumulations of 15 to 30 cm are possible. In northern Peterborough County and northern Kawartha Lakes, total snowfall accumulations of 15 to 25 cm are possible. In southern Peterborough County and southern Kawartha Lakes, total snowfall accumulations of 10 to 20 cm are possible. In all these areas, peak snowfall rates of 3 to 5 cm per hour are expected.
In Northumberland County, total snowfall accumulations of 5 to 10 cm are possible, with peak snowfall rates of 2 to 5 cm per hour.
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.
This story has been updated with the latest forecast from Environment Canada.
