Major snowstorm coming

7-10cm fell in Kemptville overnight.

This mornings snow has passed well south and east of Kemptville this afternoon. About 10cm generally fell across the are with a little less in Ottawa and a little more along the Seaway. The snow was accompanied by some gusty winds with some drifting reported. Tomorrow will be a quiet day before the onslaught of storms begin, just prior to the busiest travel week of the year.

Low pressure is expected to develop in the southern US plains and move northeast towards the Great Lakes. The perfect ingredients will be in place for a big winter storm, that is a solid pool of arctic air with very warm moist air streaming north from the US. The snow, combined with strong winds will develop late Thursday near Windsor and spread east Friday towards Montreal by late in the day. The potential exists for 15cm or more of snow. Once that system passes an even stronger storm is forecast to take a very similar path with at least 15cm more of snow and maybe even 30cm in places. It is early in the forecast so lets deal with Friday's storm first. Look for Winter Storm Watches to be hoisted within the next 15 to 18 hours for this region and all of southern Ontario. Prepare now for severe winter weather this weekend and plan your driving accordingly.