Big winter storm headed towards Ontario could dump 40 cm of snow in some areas
A significant winter storm is headed to Ontario that could dump up to 40 centimetres of snow in some regions and cause treacherous driving conditions.
According to Environment Canada, snow is forecast to arrive across southern Ontario on Sunday night and will "spread rapidly northeastward through the day Monday."
The weather agency says snow will fall heavily at times, with rates of a few centimetres per hour possible. Winds are also expected to gust up to 50 km/h Monday afternoon, causing poor visibility due to blowing snow.
"Travel will likely be difficult due to the expected heavy snow," Environment Canada said.
Regions like Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, Grimsby, Kingston, Ottawa, Peterborough, Brockville, Tweed, and Cornwall should be prepared for anywhere between 25 and 40 centimetres of snow.
Peak snowfall rates of two to five centimetres per hour are possible Monday morning into Monday afternoon, Environment Canada said.
A person shovels snow from around a car during a snowstorm in Montreal, Saturday, January 16, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Residents in these regions are being urged to avoid travel if possible.
"There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas," Environment Canada said.
In Toronto, snowfall accumulations of 10 to 20 centimetres of snow are forecast Sunday night into Monday, however Environment Canada said "higher amounts can't be ruled out."
Pickering, Oshawa, Durham Region, Uxbridge, Beaverton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill,and Markham should expect similar snowfall amounts.
Monday is the first day Ontario students are slated to return to in-person learning across Ontario.
Conditions are forecast to improve by Monday evening as the snow comes to an end.
For more information, visit our weather page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | Jason Kenney steps down after 51.4% approval in leadership review
Jason Kenney quit as leader of his party, and premier of Alberta, Wednesday night after receiving a slight majority of support in his United Conservative Party leadership review.

Ed Fast out as Tory finance critic after criticizing leadership candidate Poilievre
Ed Fast is no longer the Conservative finance critic, interim party leader Candice Bergen says. Bergen said in a statement late Wednesday that Fast informed her he will be 'stepping away from his duties.'
Trudeau says Ottawa watching Quebec's proposed changes to language law 'carefully'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is watching 'carefully' how Quebec's Bill 96 is playing out provincially and respects the freedom of members of Parliament to protest it.
Four things Canadians can do to save money on their groceries during inflation
With Statistics Canada reporting a 9.7 per cent increase in food costs over the last year, Canadians are being pushed to find ways to pinch pennies at the grocery stores. Here are some ways to save.
Crown wants Freedom Convoy organizer Tamara Lich returned to jail to await trial
Crown prosecutors want Ottawa protest organizer Tamara Lich sent back to jail to await trial, claiming she breached her bail conditions by agreeing to participate in an event next month where she will receive a 'Freedom Award.'
'Suffer in silence:' Experts worry of fallout from public reaction to Amber Heard's testimony
As Johnny Depp's defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard stretches into its fifth week, experts say public reaction to Heard's testimony sends a perilous reminder that despite the 'MeToo' movement, the credibility of alleged victims of abuse can be fragile.
'Somebody out there is missing this child': Remains of young girl found in water in Dunnville, Ont.
Provincial police announced Wednesday the human remains found in the water in Dunnville, Ont., the day before are that of a young girl.
Conservative party investigating complaint by Patrick Brown team about racist email
The Conservative Party of Canada is investigating a complaint lodged by Patrick Brown's leadership campaign about a racist email it says it received from a member.
Prince Charles, Camilla visit Ukrainian church in Ottawa on second day of royal tour
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, lit candles and listened to a prayer service on Wednesday inside a gilded Ukrainian Orthodox cathedral in Ottawa, while congregants and onlookers waved blue-and-yellow flags and Union Jacks outside.