A Durham Region Snowfall Warning has been issued as Environment Canada warns residents about heavy snow expected to affect travel conditions across the region.
The national weather agency says snowfall will begin late Friday morning and continue into Saturday morning, bringing significant winter weather back to Durham Region and other parts of southern Ontario.
Environment Canada says the Durham Region Snowfall Warning could bring up to 15 centimetres of snow, with snowfall rates reaching five centimetres per hour at times.
Forecasters say these conditions may significantly reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions.
Officials warn that the Durham Region Snowfall Warning could particularly affect Friday evening rush-hour traffic, when many commuters will be travelling home.
Motorists should expect rapidly changing weather conditions as the storm moves through the area.
Snowfall totals may vary across the region.
Areas located inland from Lake Ontario and along higher elevations such as the Oak Ridges Moraine are expected to receive the heaviest snowfall.
Communities closer to Lake Ontario may see lower snowfall totals, as slightly warmer temperatures could cause some precipitation to fall as rain.
Environment Canada says several major highways in southern Ontario are expected to be impacted by the storm.
These include Highways 400, 404, 407 and 115, where winter driving conditions are expected to become hazardous.
Weather officials say drivers should also prepare for deteriorating conditions along Highways 401 and 2, which pass through parts of Durham Region.
Authorities warn that travel will likely be challenging during periods of heavy snowfall.
Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time, maintain safe distances between vehicles and adjust driving speeds based on road conditions.
The Durham Region Snowfall Warning also serves as a reminder for residents to prepare for changing winter weather conditions.
Environment Canada advises the public to monitor weather updates throughout the day and evening.
Weather alerts and updated forecasts can be found on the Environment Canada website, where officials continue to track the storm system moving through southern Ontario.
Residents are advised to stay informed and take precautions to ensure safe travel during the Durham Region Snowfall Warning.
