Special weather statement issued for winter storm coming this week

Environment Canada is warning that a winter storm is on its way to Waterloo Region with 15 centimetres of snow possible.

The weather statement says that snow and freezing rain are likely to hit the region late Wednesday into Thursday. Poor visibility, blowing snow and slippery conditions are possible.

“Confidence in the exact track of the low pressure system is uncertain at this point, but it is likely that snow will transition to freezing rain or rain late Wednesday night or Thursday morning,” the weather agency said.

If the system shifts farther south the precipitation that falls will be mostly snow, thus it is possible some areas could see more than 15 cm.

“Regardless of the track of the weather system, hazardous travel conditions are likely Wednesday evening into Thursday morning,” statement reads. “Motorists are urged to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.”

The statement was issued across the province stretching from communities along Lake Huron to past the nation’s capital.

Areas further north of Waterloo Region are seeing significantly higher estimated snow totals of 20 to 40 centimeters. The weather agency is calling the system “highly impactful” and warns the strong low-pressure system is going to dump a lot of snow across Ontario.