Bitter cold and blowing snow prompt 2 weather alerts for Waterloo region, Guelph

Two yellow weather warnings are in effect for Waterloo region and Guelph as Environment Canada warns of bitter cold and blowing snow that could impact travel and outdoor activities Friday.

Environment Canada says flurries are expected Friday, with a risk of snow squalls in the afternoon and local blowing snow. Snowfall amounts in Waterloo region and Guelph are expected to be up to 5 cm.

Strong winds could gust up 50 km/h, with temperatures falling to –18 C and the wind chill could reach –30 C by the afternoon, creating a risk of frostbite, Environment Canada warned.

The blowing snow could cause sudden, near-zero visibility at times, especially in open and exposed areas, the warning said.

"Travel will likely be hazardous due to near-zero visibility. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic. Road closures are possible. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve."

Extreme cold into weekend

The "bitterly cold conditions" will persist through the day and into Saturday.

"Extreme cold puts everyone at risk," the warning from Environment Canada said.

"Watch for cold-related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes," continued the release, adding people should cover up to avoid frostbite, check on older relatives and friends, be aware of the cold effects on your pets and take breaks inside if you are an outdoor worker.

Areas of north Wellington County like Mount Forest and Arthur are under a yellow warning advisory due to the strong winds and amount of snow expected Friday. The Ontario Provincial Police note Highway 6 between Mount Forest and Fergus was closed Friday morning due to "poor visibility, and deteriorating road conditions."

Snowfall amounts of up to 20 cm are expected in that area. Strong wind gusts of 60 km/h will lead to low visibility due to blowing snow.

Friday's weather has caused both the Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board to close schools in north Wellington County.

Wellington-Dufferin Student Transportation Services has also cancelled school buses in the southern part of Wellington County and Dufferin County.

Exams scheduled for St. James Catholic Secondary School and Our Lady or Lourdes Catholic Secondary School in Guelph are postponed.

Francobus has cancelled routes in Oxford County and Kitchener-Waterloo as well.

Snow events remain in effect in Cambridge until noon Saturday and in Woolwich Township until 11:45 p.m. Friday. This means parking is banned as crews work to clear roadways.

Snow on the way Sunday

Some of the coldest temperatures of the year are headed for Ontario this weekend, caused by a polar vortex that has moved south due to a weakened jet stream, Environment Canada says.

Saturday is expected to be a mix of sun and cloud with a chance of flurries with a high of –13 C, but a wind chill making it feel more like –30 C in the morning and –20 C in the afternoon.

Significant snow may also be on the way for Sunday and into early next week, with periods of snow forecast through Wednesday.

People are advised to limit time outdoors and use caution when traveling as visibility may be reduced, Environment Canada said.