The very first significant snowfall of the season is set to hit the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), Niagara, and Ottawa early Wednesday morning, potentially leaving travelers facing hazardous whiteout conditions. Commuters in these regions are strongly advised to reconsider their travel plans.

Following a weekend that saw heavy snowfall in northern Ontario, it's now southern Ontario's turn to embrace the winter wonderland. Lake-effect snow squalls dumped over 100 cm of snow in parts of cottage country, leading to major highway closures and even declaring states of emergency in municipalities like Gravenhurst.

As we head into December 2024, the arrival of this winter storm signals a notable change in weather patterns across the province. Back-to-back storms combined with cold air from the Great Lakes are anticipated to create perfect conditions for heavy snow, making road travel extremely treacherous.

Get Ready for Whiteout Conditions!

Starting early Wednesday, snow will begin blanketing southern and eastern Ontario, affecting the morning commute just as many are heading to work. Major routes are expected to face substantial disruptions, particularly in the Niagara region and along Highway 401 eastward from Toronto to Kingston. These areas could experience snowfall rates of 2-5 cm per hour coupled with fierce gusts of wind reaching 50-70+ km/h, causing rapid deterioration of road conditions.

Historically, the first major snowfall of the winter season tends to lead to an uptick in accidents and slowdowns on the roads. This year will likely be no exception. Therefore, it may be wise for individuals in affected areas to consider working from home to avoid the rush.

Accumulations are forecasted to reach 5-10 cm across the GTHA, with the lake-effect possibly pushing totals to an impressive 10-20+ cm in the Niagara region, Cobourg, and extending into Ottawa. Meanwhile, parts of Cottage Country, especially near Lake Michigan and Georgian Bay, will also be affected as snow interacts with the lakes.

Power Outages? Be Prepared!

Temperatures will hover around freezing, leading to wet snow that could increase the risk of localized power outages due to the weight on power lines. Drivers should be prepared for the blustery conditions, as they are likely to continue through the Thursday morning commute.

With winter fully descending upon the province, residents are reminded to stay informed and act cautiously. Will this be the snow that transforms southern Ontario into a winter paradise, or will it disrupt daily lives? Stay tuned, as we’re just getting started with the winter season!