Environment Canada has just upgraded its Special Weather Statement for Peel and now turned it into a Winter Storm Watch.
The national weather agency is calling for a winter storm that’s expected to hit Peel late Wednesday and into Thursday (Feb. 22-23).
Hazards include heavy snow and ice pellets, reduced visibility in heavy snow and blowing snow and a risk of freezing rain.
“A Colorado low is expected to bring a wintry mix of snow and ice pellets to much of southern Ontario. Precipitation may fall heavily at times leading to hazardous winter travel conditions,” the warning states. “Precipitation may also mix with freezing rain in some areas. There remains some uncertainty for the exact location, timing, and accumulations of snow and ice pellets.”
This storm watch replaces the Special Weather Statement issued for Peel.
Warnings may be issued as the event draws nearer, Environment Canada added.
“Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery,” the warning reads. “There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.”