Snowfall Warning

Once again this morning we are faced with a similar forecast for both Ontario and Quebec, however, because Environment Canada seems a little confused with the criteria for weather warnings, Montreal is under a Snowfall Warning and Ottawa/Kemptville is not. Let me explain; 15cm in 12 hours or less is the criteria for a heavy snowfall warning. Montreal is expecting 15cm by daybreak Thursday, while Ottawa and Kemptville may not reach 15cm till a few minutes later. You get the idea, it is splitting hairs. The weather will create poor travel so the public should be advised. Environment Canada needs to do like the National Weather Service in the US and standardize the warning system clear across the country. I feel the current use of weather warnings really can confuse the average person. This is especially true when several different weather warnings are issued for the same event. OK enough with the rant...

Now the details: Low pressure in Illinois will move towards Toronto tonight while a second system takes shape in Tennessee. The two will provide mild air and precipitation to the region. Close to the Great Lakes most of that precipitation will fall as rain. Further north in the Ottawa Valley and Montreal it will be wet snow. The snow will start this afternoon, with the heaviest snow falling this evening before tapering off to showers and flurries by Thursday morning. Winds will be gusty up to 50km/h especially in the St. Lawrence Valley. Travel may be difficult this afternoon and overnight in eastern Ontario and Southwestern Quebec with low visibility and snow covered roads. The same is true across upstate New York and northern Vermont where Winter Weather Advisories are posted. Winter Weather Advisories are issued for 8-15cm of snow or ice for the event.