Ice storms, high winds and intense flurries 'only the beginning of winter,' says weather agency

Bundle up, Londoners—meteorologists say Monday's fresh blast of winter weather is but the beginning of what's expected to be a highly active season to come.

Environment Canada has issued warnings for blizzard conditions that are expected to last into Tuesday. At the London airport, several flights are cancelled or delayed.

Drivers are once again advised to take care on the roads as the region contends with an intense burst of snow in the morning followed by strong lake effect winds, said Gerald Cheng, meteorologist with the weather agency.

"It means treacherous driving, really," said Cheng. "Certainly be careful out there, because the warmest part of the day has come and gone. We got up to 11 degrees, believe it or not, during the overnight hours, but that has passed and now we are back to sub-zero weather."

OPP closed Hwy. 402 Westbound at Col. Talbot Road for a jackknifed transport truck, and officers warned that drivers should expect delays on the highway throughout the day.

It's likely any slush that formed overnight is now turned to ice, said Cheng, making for slippery conditions on the roads and walkways.

There's also a chance that winds gusting up to 90 km/h could lead to more power outages, days after the city recovered from a Boxing Day ice storm.

"It's been a very active pattern," Cheng said. "And of course, this is only the beginning of winter and colder temperatures to come this week. We need to be more prepared."

Tuesday's forecast shows up to 5 cm of additional snow, with a wind chill of - 18 C in the morning. Wednesday's high is - 5 C and Thursday's is - 9 C.