Schools and libraries closed Friday and Lambton Public Health issued a cold weather alert as a winter storm arrived in the Sarnia area.
Environment and Natural Resources Canada issued a winter storm warning for the region with a forecast calling for strong winds, blowing snow and wind chill values of -24 C by Friday afternoon.
Rain arrived in the Sarnia area Thursday evening and had turned to snow by morning.
The storm was expected to continue into Christmas Day.
“Travel will become hazardous and is not advised,” the national weather office said.
The Lambton Kent District School Board and St. Clair Catholic District School Board said all of their schools were closed Friday.
Lambton College also closed early for the holidays because of the storm and the Lambton County Library said all of its branches would be closed Friday and Saturday.
Dr. Karalyn Dueck, Lambton County’s acting medical officer of health, issued a cold weather alert that was expected to be in place until Sunday because of the low temperatures being forecast.
“Lambton Public Health advises local agencies that provide shelter and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness to prepare for an increase in demand during the cold weather alert,” the public health agency said in a news release.
“All residents should take precautions by dressing in layers, shielding exposed areas from the wind such as head, neck, and face, and limiting time spent outdoors.”
Lambton County said it was closing its administration building in Wyoming Friday, as well as all county cultural services locations, because of the weather and the county’s adult day programs were also cancelled.
The county’s Shared Services Center in downtown Sarnia was to remain open until noon Friday.
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority warned strong winds over Lake Huron were expected to bring a storm surge, increased wave action and freezing spray. Waves of around three meters, as well as elevated water levels, were anticipated and shoreline erosion was possible, it said.
“Individuals are reminded to avoid the shoreline and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions, slippery banks and cold, swift moving water,” the conservation authority said in a statement.
“Children and pets should be kept away from the water.”