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Severe weather conditions ahead
As winter continues to grip Ontario, Environment Canada has issued a weather advisory for several regions, particularly in cottage country. Following a blizzard that wreaked havoc over the weekend, the agency predicts another significant snowfall on Wednesday. Areas like Huntsville could see up to 14 centimeters of snow, while Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and northern Kawartha Lakes may receive around 10 centimeters by the evening. This advisory comes on the heels of a snowstorm that forced the temporary closure of Highway 11, leaving many drivers stranded and prompting a state of emergency in Gravenhurst, which was buried under more than a meter of snow.
Travel disruptions and safety warnings
Despite the reopening of Highway 11, provincial police are urging residents to remain vigilant as more snowfall is anticipated in the Huntsville area. The weather agency has also issued alerts for regions along the shores of Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Ontario, where snow squall warnings are in effect. Areas like Sault Ste. Marie and Belleville could see snow accumulations of up to 25 centimeters, with conditions that can change rapidly, leading to near-zero visibility at times. Travelers are advised to consider postponing non-essential trips until conditions improve, as hazardous driving conditions are expected to impact rush-hour traffic significantly.
Impact on urban areas
In eastern Ontario, the Ottawa area is bracing for approximately 10 centimeters of snow through Thursday morning. Southern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton, and the Niagara Region, is also expected to experience its first snowfall of the winter, with accumulations of up to five centimeters. The weather agency warns that visibility may be reduced, leading to potentially dangerous driving conditions. As urban areas prepare for the impact of the snow, residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather conditions and plan their travel accordingly.
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