Environment Canada has issued a “yellow watch” for snow squalls for most of the northern Kawarthas region starting Wednesday night (December 3) and continuing into Thursday.
The yellow watch is in effect for Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.
Lake effect snow squalls off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay will begin late Wednesday night and continue into Thursday. Total local snowfall amounts of 10 to 20 cm are possible in Kawarthas Lakes, with 5 to 10 cm elsewhere.
The lake effect snow will be accompanied by northwesterly winds gusting 50 to 60 km/h. As a result, blowing snow will further reduce visibility. Conditions are expected to improve by Thursday afternoon.
Travel may be hazardous. Visibility may be suddenly reduced to near zero at times. Roads and walkways may be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Prepare for the possibility of quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.
There is uncertainty with the exact locations of snow squalls that will develop and snowfall accumulations may be quite variable across the region.
Environment Canada recently launched new colour-coded alerts for weather advisories, watches, and warnings.
Yellow alerts, which are the most common, indicate hazardous weather that may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts are moderate, localized, and/or short-term.
Orange alerts, which are uncommon, indicate severe weather that is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts are major, widespread. and/or may last a few days.
Red alerts, which are rare, indicate very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption. Impacts are extensive, widespread, and prolonged.
