Windy start to week in Waterloo Region with weather statement issued

Buckle up for a windy start to the week in Waterloo Region.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement calling for strong southwesterly winds starting Monday morning through to the evening.

Wind gusts could reach up to 80 km/hr which the weather authority says could lead to power outages and “toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break.”

570 NewsRadio Meteorologist Jill Taylor said it’s not just the hats and mitts you’ll need to hold on to.

There is a chance the Monday afternoon/evening commute could involve some white-knuckle driving, with possible snow squalls on the way.

“There could be some hazardous travel conditions (Monday night) if we get into these snow squalls, that could develop. With that blowing snow, it could be quite dangerous.”

Up to 3 cm of snow is expected on Jan. 27, with up to an additional 8 cm Tuesday night.

Taylor notes Tuesday won’t be as windy though.

Temperature wise, the last week of January is set to be closer to seasonal with a high of -2 C on Monday.