It appears the Quinte region is going to get a little bit of everything over the next 48 hours and in some cases a lot.
Environment Canada has issued two Special Weather Statements for our area.
The first is for significant rainfall later Thursday into Friday morning.
They are expecting we will get 20-30 millimetres of rain before noon Friday, with localized flooding possible in low-lying areas.
Staff Meteorologist Kevin Williams.
“Well this major winter storm will have multiple impacts on our region. One of them will be the concern of a mix of snow and rain tomorrow (Friday) and a subsequent flash freeze, that will cause untreated pavement to become very slick. Travellers ahead of Christmas tomorrow (Friday) will find a rough go and should certainly plan accordingly.”
Friday afternoon there will be a flash freeze, with rain turning to snow, creating icy and slippery surfaces.
Five to 15 centimetres of snow is expected to fall by Saturday morning, with wind gusts up to 120 km/h creating blizzard-like conditions.
Williams says slippery conditions are on the way Friday.
“This major winter storm will begin moderately with some wet snow, sleet and rain later today (Thursday) and tonight. The high impact day will be tomorrow (Friday) with strong winds and bitterly cold air arriving, causing the mix to become all snow, freezing the roads. Those winds will be gusting to 70 km/h across much of the area, causing blowing and drifting snow. Those blustery conditions with Lake Effect will then be an issue, as we head through tomorrow night (Friday), right on through to Christmas Eve.”
Higher amounts are expected along the Lake Ontario shores.
