Storm Update Thursday 7am...

It was going to be a very difficult forecast as several areas of low pressure were affecting the province yesterday into this morning, and it was. Snow, freezing rain and even some rain affected all areas from Kingston to Windsor. There was even thunder and lighting in several areas near Lake Ontario. Overnight winds turned out of the northeast in Kemptville and began gusting up and over 30km/h. The snow began here in the wee hours, and several centimetres (hard to measure because of the drifts) are on the ground with close to 10cm expected by the end of the day. It is not a big storm by any stretch, but it appears to be enough to have cancelled all the busses once again. I just don't remember this many snow days as a kid, and the storms were so much worse, not just guessing, I have the data to back it up, they were worse!

Needless to say with the much colder temperatures this morning and the gusty winds, what has fallen is blowing around and travel is less than comfortable. Many cars are in the ditch on the 416. You will need extra time in the 401/416/417 corridors. The heaviest snow is just about over and all the snowfall should end by noon or so.

TORNADO UPDATE: The death toll in the southeast tornadoes is at 55. In many cases entire towns were destroyed. The damage is so extensive, it is hard to believe these are February storms. Reps from the National Weather Service will be on the ground examining the damage, I imagine there were a couple of F-5 tornadoes among the dozens of reported storms. It was one of the biggest single day outbreaks of tornadoes in years and ranks up there among the all time events. Sad way to begin the severe storms season..and early.