Environment Canada has issued a snow squall watch for the northern Kawarthas region for Wednesday night (December 11) through Thursday and possibly into Friday morning.
The snow squall watch is in effect for northern Peterborough County, northern Kawartha Lakes, and southern Haliburton County.
Lake effect snow squalls off Georgian Bay are expected to develop in the region beginning Wednesday night. Strong westerly winds gusting up to 50 km/h will accompany the snow squalls, resulting in widespread blowing snow and significantly reduced visibility at times.
The northern Kawartha Lakes area will receive the brunt of the weather, with snow squalls continuing through Thursday night.
Snow squalls may temporarily move out of the area Thursday due to changes in wind direction. However, they are expected to redevelop Thursday evening and persist into Friday morning.
Local heavy snowfall with peak snowfall rates of 4 to 8 cm per hour and total accumulations of 30 to 60 cm are possible. Locally higher snowfall amounts greater than 60 cm will be possible Thursday through Thursday night, especially if a single strong snow squall remains over the same area.
Northern Peterborough County and southern Haliburton County may see peak snowfall rates of 3 to 6 cm per hour, with total accumulations of 10 to 20 cm.
Under the snow squall bands, visibility will be significantly reduced due to the heavy snow combined with blowing snow, and snow will quickly accumulate. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Road closures are possible.
Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone.
