Snow squall watch issued for Sault Ste. Marie

A snow squall watch is now in effect for Sault Ste. Marie.

Environment Canada says our area could see 10 to 20 cm of heavy snowfall.

"Snow, at times heavy, will begin overnight as a system passes through," it said in the weather advisory. "In the wake of the cold front, lake effect snowsqualls are expected to develop Tuesday and continue into Tuesday night before weakening by Wednesday morning."

That could affect travel around the region.

"Under the snow squall bands, visibilities will be significantly reduced due to the heavy snow combined with blowing snow, and snow will quickly accumulate," it added.

Environment Canada suggests postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

Full text of the Environment Canada advisory follows:

Snow squall watch issued for:
   Sault Ste. Marie - Superior East, Ont.

Current details:
Snow squalls are expected to develop. Under the snow squall bands, visibilities will be significantly reduced due to the heavy snow combined with blowing snow, and snow will quickly accumulate.

Hazards:
Locally heavy snowfall with total accumulations of 10 to 20 cm.
Reduced visibility at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.

Timing:
Overnight into Tuesday night.

Discussion:
Snow, at times heavy, will begin overnight as a system passes through. In the wake of the cold front lake effect snowsqualls are expected to develop Tuesday and continue into Tuesday night before weakening by Wednesday morning.

Travel is expected to be impacted and people are encouraged to monitor future forecasts for further details.

Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.

Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

More details on the alert are available here.