Record-high snowfall possible in Windsor today, Environment Canada says

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent today, telling people to expect as much as 20 centimetres of snow.

The agency has issued a yellow warning, which means the hazardous weather can damage, disrupt or cause health impacts, and that conditions will be localized and short term.

Samantha Mauti, a meteorologist with ECCC, told CBC News Sunday morning that the total storms are expected to bring around 10 to 20 centimetres by this evening.

She said the last time Windsor saw record-high snowfall was on Jan. 25, 2023 at 11.2 centimetres.

“It's definitely possible,” Mauti said, that Sunday’s snowfall exceeds that record. 

She said the possibility of quick moving flurries Monday morning could bring an additional 2 centimetres in the region.

'It's quite unbelievable'

CBC spoke with Windsor residents Sunday evening about their experiences through the day.

Mani Singh, 32, said he spent an hour shovelling on Sunday morning so he could run errands, then again later so he could get to the gym.

"That's part of life in Windsor," he said. "Be safe out there."

University of Windsor student Pritham Suresan, who depends on public transit to get around, said the city's sidewalks were difficult to navigate.

"I was walking with my friend and there were times we just had to walk in a row. It was easier than trekking through the snow," the 23-year-old said. "I hope the roads have been cleared properly Monday."

Suresan advised other pedestrians to "stay bundled up."

Tahmina Sharif Mitu moved to Windsor in 2021 and said she'd only seen such winter conditions in the GTA.

"This is the first time [seeing] this much snow in Windsor ... since I have been here," she said. "It's quite unbelievable."

The mother of three said she already got all the groceries and emergency supplies her family will need for the week, should things get worse.

She said the storm is an opportunity to stay indoors and "spend time with family."

It will feel like -20 C with the wind chill

In this case, the alert says snowfall will be heavy at times with local blowing snow, and as much as 10 to 15 centimetres will fall. The high will be -8 C, but could feel like -20 C with the wind chill.

The agency says snow will continue throughout the night, from light snow before midnight to a few flurries heading in the early morning hours. The overnight low will be -12 C, also with a wind chill that feels like -20 C.

The temperatures for Sunday and Monday are below seasonal, Mauti said, as the usual high temperatures around this time of year are about -2 C. The temperatures are expected to remain below seasonal through the week.

Mauti said Tuesday might have a weak Alberta Clipper coming into the region, bringing the possibility of some flurries extending possibly into Wednesday.

“There are wind gusts possible up to 50 km/hr. So, we're also expecting some blowing snow with this,” she said.

Mauti said the wind gusts are expected to be around 40 km/hr Monday, which could bring in some drifting snow. 

Avoid non-essential travel: OPP

On Sunday afternoon, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) issued an advisory after several collisions were reported on Highway 401 near Chatham, in both westbound and eastbound lanes.

OPP said the westbound 401 is fully closed from Bloomfield Road to Queen's Line near Chatham following a collision involving a transport truck and snowplow.

No serious injuries have been reported at this time.

OPP are urging motorists driving through that area to plan alternative routes, slow down and drive with caution. 

“As severe weather continues to move through the West Region, OPP urges everyone to avoid non-essential travel and drive according to road and weather conditions,” OPP said in a social media post.

Windsor Police Service issued a statement Saturday telling people to drive carefully and check on vulnerable neighbours due to the cold.

WATCH | How to drive safely in snowy winter weather:

Here's how to drive safely in snowy winter weather

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Duration 1:41

Jacob Hammoud, operations manager at iDrive, says there are tips to driving safely in the winter.