Environment Canada has issued a yellow advisory for blowing snow in Chatham-Kent, warning of hazardous travel conditions beginning Friday afternoon.
The advisory, issued at 6:09 p.m. Thursday, carries a moderate impact level with high forecast confidence. Poor visibility in snow and blowing snow is expected as a low-pressure system pushes into the region.
Forecasters say snowfall amounts of four to eight centimetres are possible by Friday evening. Strong northwesterly winds developing behind the system could produce gusts of 70 to 80 kilometres per hour, leading to widespread blowing snow and significantly reduced visibility. In wind-prone and exposed areas, visibility may be near zero at times.
Conditions are expected to persist through Friday night and possibly into Saturday morning. Very cold wind chills are also forecast to develop late Friday into early Saturday.
Travel is expected to be hazardous due to near-zero visibility, and road closures are possible. Residents are being advised to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Motorists are encouraged to carry emergency supplies such as extra blankets and jumper cables and to remain with their vehicle if they become stranded.
Environment Canada advises residents to continue monitoring weather alerts and forecasts as conditions evolve. Severe weather reports can be submitted directly to the agency through email or social media reporting channels.
