PHOTOS: Snow piles up in Ontario as roads deteriorate from 'super-squalls'
Prolonged snow squalls are continuing to batter parts of southern Ontario this weekend, resulting in worsening road conditions and collisions in some regions.
Multiple squalls are tracking through different areas Saturday, namely Niagara region, parts of cottage country and the eastern side of Lake Ontario. Some of them face an additional 30-40 cm of snow before they finall dissipate, so people are urged to keep the snowblowers and shovels ready.
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The setup will be conducive for one or more "super-snow squalls" to develop, potentially measuring an impressive 500+ km in length.
Niagara region is being impacted hard, in particular, with Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responding to an accident earlier Saturday morning.
Happening right now in Niagara Region. #NiagaraOPP. #SeeSnowGoSlow pic.twitter.com/jG34uUFOXF
Happening right now in Niagara Region. OPP Highway Safety Division on Twitter: "Happening right now in Niagara Region. #NiagaraOPP. #SeeSnowGoSlow pic.twitter.com/jG34uUFOXF / Twitter". OPP Highway Safety Division on Twitter: "Happening right now in Niagara Region. #NiagaraOPP. #SeeSnowGoSlow pic.twitter.com/jG34uUFOXF / Twitter" OPP Highway Safety Division on Twitter: "Happening right now in Niagara Region. #NiagaraOPP. #SeeSnowGoSlow pic.twitter.com/jG34uUFOXF / Twitter"
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) OPP Highway Safety Division on Twitter: "Happening right now in Niagara Region. #NiagaraOPP. #SeeSnowGoSlow pic.twitter.com/jG34uUFOXF / Twitter"
It's safe to say this scene will play out in other regions being impacted by the snow squalls. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECC) is urging people to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
Road closures are possible this weekend. If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone.
Some of the totals from the multi-day event are starting to pour in. Wiarton, Ont., has already reported 66 cm from Thursday night to Saturday morning. Part of that total brought the community its snowiest Nov. 18 on record since 1947 (44 cm), enough to rank it as the city's third-highest total ever seen in one day. The two snowiest days for Wiarton are Jan. 31, 1982 (51.4 cm) and March 21, 1983 (45.5 cm).
Snow squalls will finally begin to ease off in Niagara and eastern side of Lake Ontario Saturday evening, but another lake-effect band is expected to move in overnight in the Georgian Bay region and continue through Sunday.
Below are just a selection of the visuals of the ongoing storm making the rounds on social media.
Near zero visibility due to blowing snow happening right in Niagara Region. Essential travel only. #NiagaraOPP. #SeeSnowGoSlow pic.twitter.com/wHVCvAnz9j
Near zero visibility due to blowing snow happening right in Niagara Region. Essential travel only. OPP Highway Safety Division on Twitter: "Near zero visibility due to blowing snow happening right in Niagara Region. Essential travel only. #NiagaraOPP. #SeeSnowGoSlow pic.twitter.com/wHVCvAnz9j / Twitter". OPP Highway Safety Division on Twitter: "Near zero visibility due to blowing snow happening right in Niagara Region. Essential travel only. #NiagaraOPP. #SeeSnowGoSlow pic.twitter.com/wHVCvAnz9j / Twitter" OPP Highway Safety Division on Twitter: "Near zero visibility due to blowing snow happening right in Niagara Region. Essential travel only. #NiagaraOPP. #SeeSnowGoSlow pic.twitter.com/wHVCvAnz9j / Twitter"
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) OPP Highway Safety Division on Twitter: "Near zero visibility due to blowing snow happening right in Niagara Region. Essential travel only. #NiagaraOPP. #SeeSnowGoSlow pic.twitter.com/wHVCvAnz9j / Twitter"
The snow is really picking up out there from about an hour ago. Downtown Brockville Ontario. #ONStorm pic.twitter.com/kkAlMH2fsp
The snow is really picking up out there from about an hour ago. Downtown Brockville Ontario. Liam Vaxxed & Boosted D'Arcy on Twitter: "The snow is really picking up out there from about an hour ago. Downtown Brockville Ontario. #ONStorm pic.twitter.com/kkAlMH2fsp / Twitter" Liam Vaxxed & Boosted D'Arcy on Twitter: "The snow is really picking up out there from about an hour ago. Downtown Brockville Ontario. #ONStorm pic.twitter.com/kkAlMH2fsp / Twitter"
— Liam Vaxxed & Boosted D'Arcy (@bumblebee2) Liam Vaxxed & Boosted D'Arcy on Twitter: "The snow is really picking up out there from about an hour ago. Downtown Brockville Ontario. #ONStorm pic.twitter.com/kkAlMH2fsp / Twitter"
Live update from Carling Ontario #onstorm @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/HwwvayjaQK
Live update from Carling Ontario AKRISONE 🇺🇦 on Twitter: "Live update from Carling Ontario #onstorm @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/HwwvayjaQK / Twitter" AKRISONE 🇺🇦 on Twitter: "Live update from Carling Ontario #onstorm @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/HwwvayjaQK / Twitter" AKRISONE 🇺🇦 on Twitter: "Live update from Carling Ontario #onstorm @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/HwwvayjaQK / Twitter"
— AKRISONE 🇺🇦 (@AKRILLOCLOTHING) AKRISONE 🇺🇦 on Twitter: "Live update from Carling Ontario #onstorm @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/HwwvayjaQK / Twitter"
Direct hit as it moves North ❄️🎯❄️💯#LakeEffectSnow #BuffaloStorm2022 #StormHour #onstorm #4warnweather @WeatherNation @Niagara_411 pic.twitter.com/vg3yuHa3Mk
Direct hit as it moves North ❄️🎯❄️💯Denis Kreze on Twitter: "Direct hit as it moves North ❄️🎯❄️💯#LakeEffectSnow #BuffaloStorm2022 #StormHour #onstorm #4warnweather @WeatherNation @Niagara_411 pic.twitter.com/vg3yuHa3Mk / Twitter" Denis Kreze on Twitter: "Direct hit as it moves North ❄️🎯❄️💯#LakeEffectSnow #BuffaloStorm2022 #StormHour #onstorm #4warnweather @WeatherNation @Niagara_411 pic.twitter.com/vg3yuHa3Mk / Twitter" Denis Kreze on Twitter: "Direct hit as it moves North ❄️🎯❄️💯#LakeEffectSnow #BuffaloStorm2022 #StormHour #onstorm #4warnweather @WeatherNation @Niagara_411 pic.twitter.com/vg3yuHa3Mk / Twitter" Denis Kreze on Twitter: "Direct hit as it moves North ❄️🎯❄️💯#LakeEffectSnow #BuffaloStorm2022 #StormHour #onstorm #4warnweather @WeatherNation @Niagara_411 pic.twitter.com/vg3yuHa3Mk / Twitter" Denis Kreze on Twitter: "Direct hit as it moves North ❄️🎯❄️💯#LakeEffectSnow #BuffaloStorm2022 #StormHour #onstorm #4warnweather @WeatherNation @Niagara_411 pic.twitter.com/vg3yuHa3Mk / Twitter" Denis Kreze on Twitter: "Direct hit as it moves North ❄️🎯❄️💯#LakeEffectSnow #BuffaloStorm2022 #StormHour #onstorm #4warnweather @WeatherNation @Niagara_411 pic.twitter.com/vg3yuHa3Mk / Twitter" Denis Kreze on Twitter: "Direct hit as it moves North ❄️🎯❄️💯#LakeEffectSnow #BuffaloStorm2022 #StormHour #onstorm #4warnweather @WeatherNation @Niagara_411 pic.twitter.com/vg3yuHa3Mk / Twitter" Denis Kreze on Twitter: "Direct hit as it moves North ❄️🎯❄️💯#LakeEffectSnow #BuffaloStorm2022 #StormHour #onstorm #4warnweather @WeatherNation @Niagara_411 pic.twitter.com/vg3yuHa3Mk / Twitter"
— Denis Kreze (@fishinniagara) Denis Kreze on Twitter: "Direct hit as it moves North ❄️🎯❄️💯#LakeEffectSnow #BuffaloStorm2022 #StormHour #onstorm #4warnweather @WeatherNation @Niagara_411 pic.twitter.com/vg3yuHa3Mk / Twitter"
WATCH: Cottage country gets blasted with snow
Very little organization with these bands so far up here near #parrysound, definitely won't be in the 30-60cm range but it sure is pretty#onstorm pic.twitter.com/EUWOZmdfAF
Very little organization with these bands so far up here near Corey Elder on Twitter: "Very little organization with these bands so far up here near #parrysound, definitely won't be in the 30-60cm range but it sure is pretty#onstorm pic.twitter.com/EUWOZmdfAF / Twitter", definitely won't be in the 30-60cm range but it sure is prettyCorey Elder on Twitter: "Very little organization with these bands so far up here near #parrysound, definitely won't be in the 30-60cm range but it sure is pretty#onstorm pic.twitter.com/EUWOZmdfAF / Twitter" Corey Elder on Twitter: "Very little organization with these bands so far up here near #parrysound, definitely won't be in the 30-60cm range but it sure is pretty#onstorm pic.twitter.com/EUWOZmdfAF / Twitter"
— Corey Elder (@coreywxelder) Corey Elder on Twitter: "Very little organization with these bands so far up here near #parrysound, definitely won't be in the 30-60cm range but it sure is pretty#onstorm pic.twitter.com/EUWOZmdfAF / Twitter"
Obviously I have no idea how to properly measure snow. Let's just say there's a LOT! #onstorm #snowfall #greycounty #Weather #meaford # pic.twitter.com/G6sDDpIpRi
Obviously I have no idea how to properly measure snow. Let's just say there's a LOT! T_Bug on Twitter: "Obviously I have no idea how to properly measure snow. Let's just say there's a LOT! #onstorm #snowfall #greycounty #Weather #meaford # pic.twitter.com/G6sDDpIpRi / Twitter" T_Bug on Twitter: "Obviously I have no idea how to properly measure snow. Let's just say there's a LOT! #onstorm #snowfall #greycounty #Weather #meaford # pic.twitter.com/G6sDDpIpRi / Twitter" T_Bug on Twitter: "Obviously I have no idea how to properly measure snow. Let's just say there's a LOT! #onstorm #snowfall #greycounty #Weather #meaford # pic.twitter.com/G6sDDpIpRi / Twitter" T_Bug on Twitter: "Obviously I have no idea how to properly measure snow. Let's just say there's a LOT! #onstorm #snowfall #greycounty #Weather #meaford # pic.twitter.com/G6sDDpIpRi / Twitter" T_Bug on Twitter: "Obviously I have no idea how to properly measure snow. Let's just say there's a LOT! #onstorm #snowfall #greycounty #Weather #meaford # pic.twitter.com/G6sDDpIpRi / Twitter" # T_Bug on Twitter: "Obviously I have no idea how to properly measure snow. Let's just say there's a LOT! #onstorm #snowfall #greycounty #Weather #meaford # pic.twitter.com/G6sDDpIpRi / Twitter"
— T_Bug (@annedehaas) T_Bug on Twitter: "Obviously I have no idea how to properly measure snow. Let's just say there's a LOT! #onstorm #snowfall #greycounty #Weather #meaford # pic.twitter.com/G6sDDpIpRi / Twitter"
Well, when the times get tough, you get creative. This gentleman in Stratford, Ont., is using a leaf blower to deal with the excessive snow and clear a path on his yard/property. Photo posted to our gallery. @cityofstratford #ONstorm #ONwx @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/QL79B4Ktqb
Well, when the times get tough, you get creative. This gentleman in Stratford, Ont., is using a leaf blower to deal with the excessive snow and clear a path on his yard/property. Photo posted to our gallery. Nathan Howes TWN on Twitter: "Well, when the times get tough, you get creative. This gentleman in Stratford, Ont., is using a leaf blower to deal with the excessive snow and clear a path on his yard/property. Photo posted to our gallery. @cityofstratford #ONstorm #ONwx @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/QL79B4Ktqb / Twitter" Nathan Howes TWN on Twitter: "Well, when the times get tough, you get creative. This gentleman in Stratford, Ont., is using a leaf blower to deal with the excessive snow and clear a path on his yard/property. Photo posted to our gallery. @cityofstratford #ONstorm #ONwx @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/QL79B4Ktqb / Twitter" Nathan Howes TWN on Twitter: "Well, when the times get tough, you get creative. This gentleman in Stratford, Ont., is using a leaf blower to deal with the excessive snow and clear a path on his yard/property. Photo posted to our gallery. @cityofstratford #ONstorm #ONwx @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/QL79B4Ktqb / Twitter" Nathan Howes TWN on Twitter: "Well, when the times get tough, you get creative. This gentleman in Stratford, Ont., is using a leaf blower to deal with the excessive snow and clear a path on his yard/property. Photo posted to our gallery. @cityofstratford #ONstorm #ONwx @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/QL79B4Ktqb / Twitter" Nathan Howes TWN on Twitter: "Well, when the times get tough, you get creative. This gentleman in Stratford, Ont., is using a leaf blower to deal with the excessive snow and clear a path on his yard/property. Photo posted to our gallery. @cityofstratford #ONstorm #ONwx @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/QL79B4Ktqb / Twitter"
Welland, 9:30 am... The snow continues to fall.#onstorm watch continues. pic.twitter.com/qXDDmU9wWA
Welland, 9:30 am... The snow continues to fall.Keith Watts on Twitter: "Welland, 9:30 am... The snow continues to fall.#onstorm watch continues. pic.twitter.com/qXDDmU9wWA / Twitter" watch continues. Keith Watts on Twitter: "Welland, 9:30 am... The snow continues to fall.#onstorm watch continues. pic.twitter.com/qXDDmU9wWA / Twitter"
— Keith Watts (@_KeithOnAir) Keith Watts on Twitter: "Welland, 9:30 am... The snow continues to fall.#onstorm watch continues. pic.twitter.com/qXDDmU9wWA / Twitter"
Lake effect snow in the Niagara area. #onstorm https://t.co/Jjp2hJmwfh
Lake effect snow in the Niagara area. Tom Stef on Twitter: "Lake effect snow in the Niagara area. #onstorm https://t.co/Jjp2hJmwfh / Twitter" Tom Stef on Twitter: "Lake effect snow in the Niagara area. #onstorm https://t.co/Jjp2hJmwfh / Twitter"
— Tom Stef (@vaughanweather) Tom Stef on Twitter: "Lake effect snow in the Niagara area. #onstorm https://t.co/Jjp2hJmwfh / Twitter"
Whiteout conditions in #lionshead hard to tell how much it's snowing and how much is just blowing around!! pic.twitter.com/7xfbCNMSvH
Whiteout conditions in Tim James on Twitter: "Whiteout conditions in #lionshead hard to tell how much it's snowing and how much is just blowing around!! pic.twitter.com/7xfbCNMSvH / Twitter" hard to tell how much it’s snowing and how much is just blowing around!! Tim James on Twitter: "Whiteout conditions in #lionshead hard to tell how much it's snowing and how much is just blowing around!! pic.twitter.com/7xfbCNMSvH / Twitter"
— Tim James (@tim_whitey) Tim James on Twitter: "Whiteout conditions in #lionshead hard to tell how much it's snowing and how much is just blowing around!! pic.twitter.com/7xfbCNMSvH / Twitter"
Beautiful sunrise in Crystal beach this morning before the snow started again #FortErie #onstorm pic.twitter.com/TQz73OJBCl
Beautiful sunrise in Crystal beach this morning before the snow started again Mother of a tattoo artist on Twitter: "Beautiful sunrise in Crystal beach this morning before the snow started again #FortErie #onstorm pic.twitter.com/TQz73OJBCl / Twitter" Mother of a tattoo artist on Twitter: "Beautiful sunrise in Crystal beach this morning before the snow started again #FortErie #onstorm pic.twitter.com/TQz73OJBCl / Twitter" Mother of a tattoo artist on Twitter: "Beautiful sunrise in Crystal beach this morning before the snow started again #FortErie #onstorm pic.twitter.com/TQz73OJBCl / Twitter"
— Mother of a tattoo artist (@hello20212022) Mother of a tattoo artist on Twitter: "Beautiful sunrise in Crystal beach this morning before the snow started again #FortErie #onstorm pic.twitter.com/TQz73OJBCl / Twitter"
Thumbnail courtesy of Keith Watts/Twitter, taken in Welland, Ont.
