Environment Canada says parts of southern Ontario are under snowfall or freezing rain warnings on Boxing Day.
According to the weather agency, Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area could see snowfall amounts of between eight and 12 centimetres on Friday. The area is under a “yellow” snowfall warning.
“Snow is arriving this morning and then will end from west to east through this evening,” Environment Canada said. “Snow will become locally heavy at times this afternoon resulting in areas of reduced visibility.”
“There remains some uncertainty regarding the track of the low pressure system, which may impact the eastern edge of the significant snowfall area.”
Areas to the north such as Sault Ste. Marie towards just outside Thunder Bay are also under “yellow” weather warnings for snowfall where heavier snow is expected between 15 and 20 centimetres.
For those areas along the shores of Lake Superior, wind gusts of up to 60 km/h may reduce visibility to near zero at times due to blowing snow.
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Meanwhile, further south, the Windsor region is under a “yellow” warning for freezing rain. Ice accretion of five to 10 millimetres is expected there.
Environment Canada warns the Windsor area could also receive ice pellets making surfaces slippery.
It also warns in all areas under the yellow warning that travel will be challenging and visibility will be reduced at times.
Canada launches new colour-coded alert system
Environment and Climate Change Canada is now using a colour-coded system to make it easier to understand the severity of extreme weather and any risks that people might need to know about.
Each type of weather alert will now include a colour — yellow, orange or red — to show the seriousness of the weather event, according to the Canadian government.
Yellow alerts are the most common; this is the alert level for the snowfall across southern Ontario on Wednesday. They are issued when hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption or health impacts. Impacts are likely moderate, localized and/or short-term.
Orange alerts are issued when severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption or health impacts. Impacts can be major, widespread and/or may last a few days.
Red alerts are rare. They are issued when very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption. Impacts have the potential to be extensive, widespread and prolonged.
— with files from Global News’ Amy Judd
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