Winter storm prompts blizzard and snowfall warnings across GHA

Snowfall and blizzard warnings are in effect for much of Southern Ontario as a winter storm wallops the region.

Environment Canada says the storm could bring up to 40 centimetres of snow in some areas including Hamilton and Halton and up to 50 centimetres in Niagara and Haldimand.

A low-pressure system tracking south of the Great Lakes will bring significant snowfall to the Golden Horseshoe Area (GHA).

Drivers are being urged to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.

A blizzard warning is also in effect for Hamilton, Burlington, Halton Hills, Oakville, Milton, St. Catharines and Grimsby.

Environment Canada says hazardous blizzard conditions with heavy snow and strong winds could result in widespread near zero visibilities.

The areas could see between five and eight centimetres of snowfall per hour Monday morning.

Blizzard warnings are issued when widespread reduced visibilities of 400 metres or less are expected for at least four hours.

Motorists in the area are being warned travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility due to blowing snow from wind gusts up to 60 kilometres per hour.

Environment Canada says if you become stranded in a vehicle, do not leave. The vehicle offers a form of protection from the cold and it will be easier for emergency crews to locate a vehicle.

The storm has caused several school closures and program cancellations.

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