Freezing rain warning, travel advisory for Windsor, Chatham areas — snowfall warning for Sarnia-Lambton
Snowfall expected to start late Wednesday afternoon, freezing rain to begin late evening
Advisories are in effect across parts of the province — including in southwestern Ontario — with a winter storm set to begin late Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning.
Environment Canada has issued freezing rain warnings for Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
It has also issued a winter weather travel advisory for the two regions.
The weather office says it expects freezing rain to begin late Wednesday evening and continue into Thursday morning, producing an ice build-up of almost two millimetres.
Precipitation will begin as snow late Wednesday afternoon. It is expected to transition to freezing rain late Wednesday evening before changing to either snow or rain Thursday morning.
Total snowfall could reach five to 10 centimetres in some spots.
Peak snowfall rates could see two to three centimetres per hour, according to the weather agency.
"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery," it said.
"Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Slow down driving in slippery conditions. Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance."
Even more snow is possible for parts of Sarnia-Lambton, as that region is under a snowfall warning, per Environment Canada.
As much as 15 centimetres could fall in some spots at a rate of two to four centimetres per hour — along with the risk of freezing rain.
Conditions across the region are subject to change. The heaviest snow across the southwest is expected tonight, then tapering off early Thursday as temperatures rise.
"Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult," the weather agency said.
"There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas."
Officials say to slow down in slippery conditions, watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance.
Public Safety Canada is also encouraging drivers to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.