Environment Canada issues yellow cold warnings for southwestern Ontario

Environment Canada issued a yellow cold warning for wind chills of -30 to -35 in London, Kitchener and Windsor on Saturday night into Sunday morning. 

Wind chill values of -30 C may return to some parts of the region Sunday night into Monday morning.

Kitchener is under an additional yellow advisory for blowing snow and strong wind gusts of 40 to 60 km/h. Visibility may be reduced in Kitchener, the weather agency added.

London is also under a yellow snow squall warning. Environment Canada said there may be nearly 10 centimetres or locally higher additional snowfall amounts.

This comes after an orange blizzard warning was in place for London, Huron and Middlesex Counties, as well as eastern Lambton County on Friday.

On Saturday, Ontario Provincial Police declared a significant event for Lambton County due to the harsh conditions.

In a news release, the OPP said the severe winter weather was causing “hazardous” and “impassable” road conditions across the region. Provincial police is urging the public to avoid all non-essential travel, respect road closures and use alternate routes where possible.

“The Lambton County Roads Department and emergency services are actively working to clear roadways and safely remove stranded vehicles,” OPP said. “However, these efforts require careful coordination and may take time due to ongoing weather and road conditions.”

Anyone who gets stuck on a roadway is asked to remain inside their vehicle, run their engine periodically, not continuously, and add extra clothing layers for warmth.

OPP added if travel is necessary, motorists should ensure their vehicle has adequate fuel and lights, avoid sudden maneuvers and adjust speed and following distance according to road conditions.

In a post to social media Saturday afternoon, the OPP listed the following road closures:

“The OPP recognizes that prolonged road closures can be challenging and frustrating,” it said in Saturday’s release. “Public safety remains the top priority, and cooperation from motorists helps ensure roadways can be reopened safely and efficiently.”