Environment Canada has issued weather warnings and watches for most of eastern Ontario, ahead of a massive winter storm that's expected to cause havoc on roads and at airports across the province.
A winter storm warning is currently in effect for most of southern Ontario, extending up to Belleville, Quinte, Northumberland, Kingston and Prince Edward County. Areas further east, including Ottawa, are under a winter storm watch.
CTV Ottawa weather specialist J.J. Clarke says 10 to 15 centimetres of snow will start falling on the Ottawa area beginning at about 7 a.m. Wednesday.
The snow will start a bit earlier in the Kingston area, which is expecting 15 to 25 centimetres of snow. Cornwall should get 15 centimetres; and the Ottawa Valley is only expecting five to 10 centimetres of snow.
The wind is also expected to be strong, which could cause whiteout conditions.
The weather warnings were issued as a monster storm gathered strength in the central U.S. on Tuesday -- the same system is expected to make its way into Ontario.
Environment Canada says the storm will enter the province Tuesday night, causing potentially dangerous driving conditions going into Groundhog Day.
Light snow was already moving across southern Ontario Tuesday afternoon, with heavy snow expected in the evening. The storm will move into the Greater Toronto Area by midnight, and into eastern Ontario by Wednesday morning.
A winter storm watch is currently in place for: Ottawa, Gatineau, Prescott and Russell, Cornwall - Morrisburg, Smiths Falls - Lanark - Sharbot Lake, Brockville - Leeds and Grenville, Kaladar - Bon Echo Park, Stirling - Tweed - South Frontenac.
The storm has already caused cancellations and delays at the Ottawa International Airport. Some flights to Toronto, Newark, New York, Chicago and Washington have been cancelled.
Those travelling are advised to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
The weather system is being dubbed the first major winter storm for the Toronto area this year, and the strongest storm of the season for many regions outside the province's snow belts.
