Journal staff
Residents may want to alter their weekend travel plans as a ‘significant winter storm’ is expected to blow through Sarnia-Lambton, Environment Canada says.
Precipitation is expected to begin late Thursday, as rain or snow, before transitioning to rain in many areas early Friday, the agency noted in a special weather statement, adding that temperatures are expected to plummet Friday, leading to a potential flash freeze for locations that receive rainfall.
“Rapidly falling temperatures will be accompanied by strong to potentially damaging winds along with snow that may be heavy at times,” Environment Canada said. “Blizzard conditions are possible late Friday into the weekend for areas downwind of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
“A multi-day lake effect snow event is expected into the weekend in the wake of the system for locations east of the Great Lakes.”
The agency said Monday that details regarding wind speeds, precipitation types and amounts remain ‘highly uncertain’ at this time.
“Consider altering plans through the holiday weekend as travel conditions may become dangerous. Extensive utility outages are possible.
“Temperatures Friday night into the weekend will likely be the coldest of the season to date.”
Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.
For information on emergency plans and kits go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca.