Blizzard warning in effect for:
- Belleville – Quinte West – Eastern Northumberland County
- Cobourg – Colborne – Western Northumberland County
Crippling blizzard conditions continues until this evening.
Travel will be extremely difficult to impossible at times and is not advised. This includes Highway 401 from near Kingston to Cornwall.
Hazards:
Blizzard conditions with wind gusts of 80 to 100 km/h. Extensive utility outages are possible.
Snowfall amounts of 20 to 30 cm by Sunday morning.
Wind chill values near minus 20.
Timing:
Damaging winds and blizzard conditions continue this morning. Local blowing snow may continue into Sunday morning.
Very cold wind chill values are expected to persist through the weekend.
Discussion:
In the wake of a sharp cold front, rapidly falling temperatures will be accompanied by blizzard conditions and strong to damaging winds as lake effect snow develops off Lake Ontario and extends eastward along the 401 corridor. Given the localized nature of lake effect snow, accumulations will vary depending on location.
Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle. Anyone who is not dressed warmly is at risk of frostbite and hypothermia in cold weather. Ensure that shelter is provided for pets and outdoor animals. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. For information on emergency plans and kits go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
