Update, as of 5:47 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22: Heavy snow and local blowing snow for the evening commute, then significant freezing rain tonight. Continuing to early Thursday morning.
A prolonged period of freezing rain leading to significant ice build up in some areas. Ice accretion of 5 to 10 millimetres is possible. Snow, heavy at times, and ice pellets. Total amounts of 5 to 15 cm.
Northeasterly winds gusting 50 to 70 km/h. The strongest wind gusts are expected for exposed areas downwind of Lake Ontario.
Reduced visibility in heavy snow and local blowing snow.
Extensive utility outages are possible due to the combination of ice accretion and moderate winds.
Another light wintry mix of precipitation is possible Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening.
Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become icy, slippery and hazardous. Slow down driving in slippery conditions.
Original story: We haven't escaped mother nature yet, as Environment Canada issues its latest Winter storm watch for Oakville on Tuesday morning for Wednesday, Feb. 22. The snow is expected to start as early as 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, and last until late afternoon on Thursday. At this point, there remains some uncertainty regarding the exact location and timing of the precipitation, as well as the amount of ice accretion that may occur.
Winter storm or freezing rain warnings may be issued as the event draws nearer.
The worst of the storm is currently forecast to start at 6:00 p.m. as the snow moves to ice pellets and eventually to ice rain by 9:00 p.m. with strong N.E. winds gusting to 65 km/h.
Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult in some locations. Surfaces like highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.
Snow and ice pellets are expected to be, at times, heavy. A prolonged freezing rain period may lead to significant ice buildup in some areas.
As the ice builds on electric overhead wires combined with strong winds, there is a genuine chance we may experience widespread utility outages. Be prepared. 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.