It looks like a white Christmas is in store for the Stratford region this weekend, but travelers should know plummeting temperatures and damaging winds could cause a flash freeze across several parts of Southwestern Ontario, weather watchers warn.
It looks like a white Christmas is in store for the Stratford region this weekend, but travelers should know plummeting temperatures and damaging winds could cause a flash freeze across several parts of Southwestern Ontario, weather watchers warn.
In a special weather statement issued for Perth and Huron counties, Environment Canada said precipitation in the region may begin as rain or snow late on Thursday before transitioning to rain in many areas by Friday morning.
Rapidly falling temperatures are then expected to be accompanied by strong winds and snow that could lead to blizzard conditions late Friday and into the weekend for downwind areas of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Friday’s temperatures “will likely be the coldest of the season to date,” the national weather agency said.
“A multi-day lake effect snow event is expected into the weekend in the wake of the system for locations east of the Great Lake,” according to the special weather statement. “While there is high confidence in a high impact winter storm, the details regarding wind speeds, precipitation types and amounts remain highly uncertain at this time. Please monitor your local forecast and the latest alerts for your area.”
Environment Canada is also recommending that travelers “consider altering plans through the holiday weekend” due to conditions that “may become dangerous.”
The forecast for Stratford on Christmas Eve includes flurries or snow squalls, blowing snow, and an overnight low of -9 C. Flurries are expected to continue Christmas Day, with a daytime high of -6 C before temperatures fall to -10 C.
Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to have an emergency plan and an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight. Tips are available at getprepared.gc.ca.