Environment Canada warns Mississauga and Brampton of 15 cm of snow and ‘accumulating rates’ of 2 cm per hour on March 22.
A new and worsening weather warning has just been issued for Mississauga and Brampton.
Environment Canada has just put both cities under a Snowfall Warning for Friday morning and evening (March 22), with “significant snowfall” expected today and tonight.
This replaces the Special Weather Statement that was in effect for Peel region.
Hazards include snowfall amounts near 15 centimetres, peak snowfall rates of two centimetres per hour possible and “reduced visibility” in heavy snow, the national weather agency said in its warning.
“Light snow is expected to begin this morning, but should intensify late in the afternoon or evening. The snow will taper off from west to east late tonight,” the warning for Mississauga and Brampton residents states. “This snow may have a significant impact on the evening commute in urban areas.”
Environment Canada is also warning residents that “visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow” and surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.
“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions,” the warning states. “If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance.”
This weather warning comes as The Weather Network’s spring forecast is calling for a mild spring that “will be moody at times” with periods of colder-than-normal temperatures and a risk for significant late-winter-like weather, “which will test our patience as we wait for more consistent warm weather,” according to Doug Gillham (PhD), a senior meteorologist at the network and manager for the Forecast Centre.
The mild winter and early spring means that spring vegetation, flowers and so on should come out ahead of schedule.
“Unfortunately, though, a warm spring does not eliminate the risk of late-season shots of cold weather. Therefore, we have a significant risk for a late-season frost or freeze after the start of the growing season,” Gillham said.
