London Braces for Massive Snowfall, City Shuttered
Londoners are preparing for a major winter storm, as a powerful snow squall is expected to dump up to 60 centimeters of snow by Friday morning. The city has already experienced a week of blustery conditions, but forecasters warn this storm is unlike any other.
Environment Canada has issued a snow squall warning for the region, cautioning residents about dangerous travel conditions and rapidly accumulating snow. “Several bands of snow squalls from Lake Huron will affect the region today through tonight,” officials said. “Locally higher snowfall accumulations exceeding 60 cm are possible, especially if a single strong snow squall locks in for a few hours or more beginning Thursday morning.”
Travel is expected to be extremely hazardous due to significantly reduced visibility and the potential for roads to quickly become impassable.
The intense snowfall, falling at rates of 5 centimeters to 10 centimeters per hour, will be accompanied by strong northwesterly winds gusting up to 70 km/h, amplifying the dangerous conditions.
As of Thursday morning, the city has begun to shut down in anticipation of the storm. All schools in the London District Catholic School Board and Thames Valley District School Board are closed. Western University has also cancelled all on-campus classes and exams for Thursday.
Travel Uncertain as Highways Close
With hazardous driving conditions expected, major highways in the area are already experiencing closures.
A section of Highway 401 between Furnival Road and Currie Road in Elgin County has been closed due to poor weather and treacherous driving conditions. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are on scene and advising motorists to avoid the area.
Highway 402 is also closed at Nauvoo Road eastbound for Highway 401 in London due to blowing snow and zero visibility. The OPP are urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel.
At the London International Airport, all remaining flights departing to and arriving from Toronto have been cancelled. Travellers are advised to check with their airlines for further updates and potential re bookings.
Health Unit Offices Shutter as Precaution
Even essential services are being impacted, with the Strathroy and London offices of the Middlesex-London Health Unit closed for the duration of the storm. In a statement, medical officer of health Dr. Alex Summers explained, “The decision to close was made out of ‘an abundance of caution.'” All appointments have been canceled and will be rescheduled.
While this powerful winter storm is expected to be severe, Londoners are known for their resilience. It is anticipated that the community will band together to support each other and weather the storm safely.
How much snow is expected to accumulate in London?
## London Braces for Blanket of Snow
**Host:** Welcome back. London is bracing itself for a significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snowfall and dangerous conditions. Joining us now is Meteorologist Sarah Jones, who can give us the latest on this incoming blast. Sarah, thanks for being with us.
**Sarah Jones:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** So, Sarah, tell us what Londoners can expect over the next 24 hours.
**Sarah Jones:** Well, this isn’t your typical winter dusting. We’re talking about a major snow event, with accumulations potentially reaching up to 60 centimeters by Friday morning. The Met Office has issued an amber alert for central and northern England, warning of “blizzard conditions” starting this afternoon [[1](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/london-snow-photos-weather-forecast-met-office-bbc-warning-b1065561.html)].
**Host:** Wow, 60 centimeters is significant. What’s causing this heavy snowfall?
**Sarah Jones:** It’s a combination of factors. We have a surge of cold air coming in from the north, clashing with moisture from the Atlantic. This will create perfect conditions for heavy snow bands, potentially leading to those blizzard-like conditions.
**Host:** And what about travel? Is it safe to be on the roads during this storm?
**Sarah Jones:** The Met Office is advising against all but essential travel. Visibility will be severely restricted, and roads could become treacherous very quickly [[1](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/london-snow-photos-weather-forecast-met-office-bbc-warning-b1065561.html)]. It’s best to stay indoors if at all possible.
**Host:** Thank you for that update, Sarah. Stay safe out there, everyone, and stay tuned for further updates on this developing winter storm.
**Sarah Jones:** You’re welcome.
