A major winter storm is expected to hit the region starting tonight, bringing heavy lake-effect snow and strong winds. Environment Canada has issued an extreme impact warning with high confidence in the forecast.
Snow is expected to begin this evening and become much heavier on Thursday and Friday. Forecasters say 30 to 60 centimetres of snow is likely, with the chance of even higher amounts in some areas. Visibility could drop to near zero at times because of blowing and heavy snow. Snow squalls may also develop by Thursday morning.
Travel conditions could become dangerous, and some roads may be closed. Drivers should be prepared for slow or stopped traffic, and emergency crews warn that transportation, power and other services may be affected for long periods.
Along with the snow, strong winds are expected to continue through Thursday night and possibly into Friday morning. Wind gusts may reach 70 to 80 kilometres per hour. These high winds could move large vehicles, knock down loose items and possibly cause power outages.
The heaviest snow is forecast for areas inland with higher ground