Environment Canada is warning southern Ontario residents to get ready for what could be the biggest snowstorm to hit the region in two years, with up to 30 centimetres in the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Meteorologist Ria Alsen said a low pressure system in the United States is expected to pick up moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, making its way to Ontario over the next two days. The heavy snow is expected to begin Tuesday evening and continue into Wednesday afternoon.
Alsen said "it's possible it could be the most snow we've seen in a storm so far this year, at least for regions outside the snowbelt."
We have "the perfect ingredients for a real wallop," added the agency's senior climatologist, Dave Phillips.
The area from Windsor to London, as well as Hamilton, will see the most snow, while those further north are expected to get slightly less.
Phillips said the storm will affect 100 million people in five provinces and 29 states. It will also affect Wiarton Willie's predictions, as Wednesday is Groundhog Day.
"The groundhog is going to have to share some limelight with meteorologists," Phillips said. "He probably won't see his shadow on Wednesday because of the snow, but who cares? We'll be busy digging out of this snowfall and probably won't care what his pronouncements are."
Drivers are being warned that blowing snow could pose serious visibility problems. The Ontario Provincial Police is encouraging motorists to refrain from driving if possible when the storm is at its worst, and to make sure to bring an emergency kit and cellphone in the car.
While the areas around the southern Great Lakes have seen plenty of snow already this season, Toronto students could see their first snow day this winter on Wednesday.
If Toronto gets the 20 to 25 centimetres of snow that seems likely to occur, it could be "the largest single-day snowfall for the city in about three years," CTV weather specialist Jeff Hutcheson told CTV News Channel on Monday.
Hutcheson said the storm will hit Toronto and then move on to Eastern Ontario.
Toronto is preparing for the storm by activating extra support services. Dozens of extra shelter spaces are being made available for the homeless, who will be dealing with cold temperatures in addition to the heavy snow.
With files from The Canadian Press
