Hamilton, Ontario

Special Weather Statement
updated by Environment Canada
at 5:53 am EST Friday 10 February 2012.
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Special Weather Statement for:
      City of Toronto
      Windsor - Essex - Chatham-Kent
      Sarnia - Lambton
      Elgin
      London - Middlesex
      Simcoe - Delhi - Norfolk
      Dunnville - Caledonia - Haldimand
      Oxford - Brant
      Niagara
      City of Hamilton
      Halton - Peel
      York - Durham
      Huron - Perth
      Waterloo - Wellington
      Dufferin - Innisfil
      Grey - Bruce
      Barrie - Orillia - Midland
      Belleville - Quinte - Northumberland
      Kingston - Prince Edward
      Peterborough - Kawartha Lakes
      Stirling - Tweed - South Frontenac
      Bancroft - Bon Echo Park
      Brockville - Leeds and Grenville
      City of Ottawa
      Gatineau
      Prescott and Russell
      Cornwall - Morrisburg
      Smiths Falls - Lanark - Sharbot Lake.

      A return to winter weather...for a short while.

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==Discussion==
a sharp Arctic cold front will cross southern Ontario late today and
this evening. Some flurries or light snow will develop in some areas
today but the real wintery weather will arrive this evening. The
front is expected to reach the traditional snow belts this afternoon
and a line from Windsor through Toronto to Ottawa this evening. It
will be accompanied by brisk northerly winds and some snow.
Temperatures will fall fairly quickly after the front's passage,
resulting in potentially icy conditions on untreated roads.

The front will likely be delayed until mid evening in the greater
Toronto area, sparing most commuters from a challenging drive home.
Travel may still be rather difficult for many regions after the
frontal passage due to any wet snow on roads quickly freezing due to
falling temperatures and accumulating snow. A flash freeze is
possible in some areas, and this will continue to be monitored with
a warning possible if it becomes more certain.

Otherwise, an area of snow is expected to Blossom tonight in the
wake of the front across many parts of southern Ontario. Snowfall
amounts of 5 to 10 centimetres are likely across portions of the
southwest through Niagara to Hamilton, with about 2 to 4 around the
Toronto area, and lesser amounts farther north and east. This
snowfall would mitigate the impacts of a flash freeze with
accumulating snow more of an issue than icy roads. Also, bracing
north winds up to 50 km/h will also create some local blowing snow
and cold wind chills approaching minus 25.

Following a Cold Saturday, temperatures will rebound somewhat on
Sunday then return to above normal by Monday or Tuesday.

Please monitor the latest forecasts and warnings from Environment
Canada at www.Weatheroffice.Gc.CA.

The public is advised to monitor future forecasts and warnings as
warnings may be required or extended.

End/ospc