Winter weather warning issued for Newmarket and Georgina, blizzard warning for Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill

Public and Catholic schools closed as up to 40 centimetres of snow forecasted

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 18, 2022
Lisa Queen

If this tweet from York Regional Police doesn’t sum up Jan. 17, nothing does.

“Not sure what's louder. The collective groan from parents or the elated cheer from students on this first #snowday of 2022,” it said.

But the tweet also comes with this advice.

“If you do have reason to be out on the roads today, please drive with extreme caution and stay alert.”

The snow storm has closed public and Catholic schools in York Region on the first day students were to have returned to class amid the latest pandemic restrictions.

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for the northern half of the region and a blizzard warning for the southern half.

For Newmarket, Georgina, Aurora and surrounding communities, a total of 25 to 40 centimetres of snow is forecasted.

The morning will bring peak snowfall rates of four to seven centimetres an hour, which will significantly reduce visibility.

Winds gusting up to 60 km/h will result in local blowing snow at times.

“A low pressure system tracking south of the Great Lakes will bring significant snowfall to the region. Heavy snow will significantly impact the commute this morning. Local blowing snow is also possible this afternoon and evening with gusty northerly to northwesterly winds, Environment Canada said.

“Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.”

A blizzard warning is in effect for Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill.

“Persons in or near this area should be on the lookout for adverse weather conditions and take necessary safety precautions,” the weather agency said.

Vaughan’s three resource public libraries have been after the blizzard warning issued for the city.

"Conditions are favourable for gusty winds of up to 60 kilometres per hour and blowing snow with snowfall amounts of 25 to 40 centimetres today," the City of Vaughan said.

"Conditions will persist through this evening. As a result, there is poor visibility on roads and travel is extremely hazardous," it added.