Winter Storm Warning

Deep low pressure this morning is moving from southern Minnesota eastward into the central Great Lakes and eventually south of Montreal on Thursday. This storm has been responsible for near blizzard conditions across the upper Midwest and northern plains along with severe weather and tornadoes overnight across the central and southern plains. One storm hit the entertainment town of Branson Missouri overnight with damage and injuries reported. One fatality has been reported so far by state police in Kansas.

Meanwhile well east of the low is a warm front approaching central New York state and southern Ontario. Precipitation is focused along the front in the form of snow and freezing rain. At this hour freezing rain is approaching southern Ontario with widespread warnings from the GTA west towards London and Sarnia.

Tornado damage overnight in Harveyville, Kansas near Topeka. (AP Photo)

As a result of the approaching warm front and low, a winter storm warning has been posted for Montreal and southwestern Quebec. Snow will develop later today and become moderate overnight with widespread blowing snow developing as northeast winds increase in the St. Lawrence Valley. The snow will continue Thursday before tapering off to flurries. At this time is looks like 15-20cm for Montreal and points south with 10-15cm in Ottawa and points north. Warnings are also in place for northern New York and Vermont. Thursday will be a very slow travel day across the region with steady snow and gusty winds from 30-50km/h. Temperatures are starting off chilly today in the -15C range this morning but will warm to -4C today where is will remain steady into Thursday. There is a slight risk of a little sleet or freezing rain mixing with the snow at times.