Winter storm headed for Waterloo Region on Tuesday

WATERLOO REGION — A winter storm is forecast to hit the region Tuesday, bringing snow, gusting winds and freezing rain.

The low-pressure system is expected to make its way from Colorado to southern Ontario causing a snowy Tuesday morning, Environment Canada said in a special weather statement.

“The big story is, we expect the snow to change to ice pellets and freezing rain for much of the day on Tuesday before it changes back to snow Tuesday night,” said Ria Alsen, meteorologist with Environment Canada.

“We put the statement out to highlight the potential for Tuesday being a nasty day to get around both in the morning and evening and throughout the day.”

Vehicle travel could be hazardous, she added, as ice makes for slippery conditions and blowing snow could reduce visibility.

“Keep an eye on the weather and see how things are progressing, but if you can make alternate arrangements — work from home — that might be a day this week to really think about that one,” she said.

The amount of snow and freezing rain the region receives will depend on the exact track of the low-pressure system, which Environment Canada will know closer to the date.

As of Sunday afternoon, between five and 15 centimetres were expected Tuesday with a daytime high of -1 C with a nighttime low of -5 C.