Put away loose objects in Ontario, Quebec before wicked winds arrive

Central Canada will see a tale of two seasons this week, with widespread alerts lining Ontario and Quebec for a soon-to-be impacting storm.

A Colorado low will be bringing rain, gusty winds and lake-effect snow as temperatures fluctuate over the coming days. We could even see some double-digit warmth return Wednesday, though daytime highs will occur early in the morning.


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Special weather statement and wind warnings have been issued for southern Ontario and Quebec, ahead of the intense gusts expected Wednesday. There are also snow squall watches for parts of the former.

"Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break. Utility outages may occur," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the statement.

With the Colorado low making its way into Ontario, winds still start to pick up Tuesday overnight, with gusts remaining strong throughout the day on Wednesday. They will peak in the late afternoon and evening.

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Peak gusts for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and southwestern Ontario will be about 70 km/h. Along the Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Georgian Bay shorelines, people can anticipate wind gusts of 70-90 km/h. Point Petre In Prince Edward County could be the winner with gusts upwards to 100 km/h.

Rain will stretch across southern Ontario and Quebec Tuesday overnight. Meanwhile, in northern sections, snow continues from Thunder Bay to Timmins.

Heavier rain expected for the GTA Wednesday morning, then easing by the afternoon. Meanwhile, eastern Ontario will see heavier rain in the afternoon hours.

As well, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has issued a high Lake Erie level flood watch message due to the anticipated storm surge model forecast for the eastern end of the waterway. The message is in effect until 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1.

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"The public is reminded to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to the potential for strong wave action and elevated water levels. Follow the direction of local flood co-ordinators and emergency officials. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas," GRCA said in the watch.

Wednesday will see more rain and mild temperatures -- 6-8 degrees above seasonal -- possibly hitting the upper-single digits and double digits, attained in the morning.

Turning much colder across the region Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, as the rain exits and gets replaced with bands of lake-effect snow east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay and winds coming from the west. Temperatures will be a taking a plunge from above-seaonal, double-digit warmth to lows sitting around the freezing mark.

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Localized, heavy snow and whiteout conditions are likely during this time. Lake-effect snow squalls will continue through the night and into Thursday, potentally pushing a few flakes across the GTA.

Thursday comes with a cooldown and strong winds gusting to 70+ km/h.

Conditions will be fair and turning milder Friday, and also warm Saturday, but then taking a turn during the latter as another Colorado low moves in with gusty winds and showers. Sunday will be chillier, with strong winds and more lake-effect flurries.

Seasonal temperatures and fair conditions return early next week but forecasters will be watching the potential for another Colorado low for the mid-week. A more consistently cold pattern is expected after Dec. 7.

Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates in southern Ontario and Quebec.

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