Most schools in Waterloo region, Guelph closed Monday as winter storm moves through

It's officially a snow day for students in Waterloo region and Guelph on Monday.

Sunday evening, three school boards — Waterloo Region District School Board, Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board — announced they would be closing all schools the following day due to a winter storm that hit the region on Sunday.

For the entire day Sunday, a yellow warning has been in effect for snowfall as Environment Canada warns of reduced visibility in heavy snow.

The weather agency says about 10 to 20 cm of heavy snow is expected throughout the morning and into the night.

Environment Canada has three colour-coded weather alerts to indicate risk. It moves from yellow to orange and then to red as the severity of risk increases. Yellow is the lowest level, indicating hazardous weather with localized, short-term impact and a potential to "cause damage, disruption or health impacts."

"We are expecting snow to be heavy at times throughout the day, with reduced visibility in both falling and blowing snow," said Samantha Mauti, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.

In its yellow warning for Sunday, Environment Canada says gusting winds from the east will reach up to 50 km/h with a wind chill of -25 in the morning and -19 in the afternoon.

The yellow warning is asking people to allow for extra travel time.

"Travel will likely be challenging. Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow," the warning notes.

Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Ed Sanchuk posted a video on social media asking people to try and stay home.

"If you do have to travel, and it's essential, please reduce your speed, drive according the road and weather conditions, [leave] enough time, room and distance between you and other vehicles, and turn your entire headlight system on," he told drivers.

"Be prepared for the unexpected. With the blowing snow, you may run into white-out conditions and zero visibility."

Sanchuk is urging drivers to follow all road closed signs and plan extra time for detour routes.

"I know it's going to be frustrating. I know it's going to add time to your already difficult commute, but you're going to make sure that you get there safely," Sanchuk said.