A snow squall watch is in effect in Chatham-Kent as strong snow squalls are expected Sunday and Sunday night.
Environment Canada officials say snow squalls are expected to develop in a northerly flow off Lake Huron early Sunday.
These squalls are expected to affect western Lambton County, including the Sarnia area, as well as portions of Chatham-Kent.
Squalls are expected to shift slightly eastward Sunday afternoon where they may remain near stationary through Sunday night.
Areas most affected will be portions of Lambton County east of Sarnia, extreme western Middlesex County, eastern Chatham-Kent, and extreme western Elgin County.
Visibilities are expected to be near zero at times in blowing and drifting snow in the squalls.
Local snowfall amounts will be on the order of 10 to 15 cm in some places into Sunday afternoon.
Local amounts in excess of 25 cm may occur late Sunday as the squalls become more stationary.
Bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills between minus 20 and minus 30 will accompany the squalls.
The squalls are expected to weaken Monday morning.
Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common.
Road closures are possible.
Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
If you become stranded in a vehicle do not leave. The vehicle offers a form of protection from the cold.
A single person walking through the snow is harder to find than a stranded car or truck.
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.
Snow squall watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the formation of bands of snow that could produce intense accumulating snow or near zero visibilities.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
