Blizzard conditions hit Kincardine area Sunday night

Just as people in the Kincardine area were finally clearing away the snow from last week's storm, another major snowstorm hit Sunday night.

Blizzard conditions paralyzed the region, with the South Bruce OPP closing Highway 21 from Amberley to Port Elgin, at 8:10 p.m., due to blowing snow and almost zero visibility. Highway 9 from Kincardine to Walkerton was also closed.

Monday morning brought more of the same, with Highway 21 closed from Port Elgin all the way to Bayfield, and remaining closed the entire day.

By 7:45 a.m., Highway 9 from Kincardine to Walkerton was re-opened.

Schools in the Kincardine area were open, but all buses were cancelled, as were numerous events and activities.

Huron-Kinloss council cancelled its regular meeting slated for Monday at 7 p.m. - that meeting has been rescheduled to Monday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. And Kincardine council cancelled its special meeting to review the 2016 budget, slated for Monday at 5 p.m. - it has been rescheduled to Monday, Jan. 25, at 1 p.m.

The South Bruce OPP reminds motorists that for up-to-date road and weather information, call 5-1-1; visit: http://www.brucecounty.on.ca/road-conditions.php or call Bruce County Roads at 1-866–266-7569, option “2”.



Capturing the blizzard on Highway 21, at the south end of Kincardine; the highway was closed all day Monday

Environment Canada has a snow-squall warning in effect for Kincardine, Saugeen Shores and Southern Bruce County, as well as Hanover, Dundalk and South Grey County.
 

Snow squalls will continue Monday night. Snowfall rates of five centimetres per hour are possible under the strongest bands. Additionally, strong and gusty northwest winds may carry the snow squalls well inland, resulting in areas of blowing snow. Sudden nil visibility in blowing snow and bursts of heavy snow are likely.

Total snowfall amounts could be significant. To the lee of Lake Huron, most likely in a swath between Kincardine and Goderich southeast to near Listowel to Palmerston, total snowfall accumulations could reach 40 to 80 centimetres.

Dangerous winter driving conditions, with frequent nil visibility in white-out conditions from blowing snow and bursts of heavy snow, are expected. Travel is not recommended.

The snow squalls may persist into Tuesday in this longer-lived event, although they are expected to shift their orientation and weaken somewhat beginning late Monday evening.
 

Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations.



Blowing and drifting snow almost obliterates the road-closed sign, on Highway 21, at the south end of Kincardine, beside Superheat FGH, looking north, Monday morning



Blowing and drifting snow beside Superheat FGH, at the south end of Kincardine, Monday morning



Blowing and drifting snow along Highway 21, beside Superheat FGH, looking south, Monday morning