Snow squalls could snarl commute in Waterloo region, with up to 35 cm of snow possible by Thursday | CBC News

It’s the first full day of spring, but that’s not stopping the winter weather. 

Environment Canada has issued a snow squall warning for Waterloo region and northern Wellington County. Guelph is under a winter weather advisory.

The area could see between 15 and 35 centimetres of snow by Thursday, the weather agency said in a release.

“A sharp cold front is expected to move south through the area today leading to the development of a frontal snow squall. Heavy flurries associated with the cold front combined with northwest winds gusting up to 70 km/h will cause a sudden drop in visibility to near zero,” the release said.

At its peak, snowfall rates could be three to five centimetres per hour, which is expected to start Wednesday afternoon and last into Thursday.

“Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve,” Environment Canada warned.

Morning commute snarled

The snowy conditions across Waterloo region, Guelph and Wellington County made for a slippery commute Wednesday morning causing dozens of collisions and school bus delays.

Waterloo regional police say they received 27 collision reports, two of those involving injuries, between 5:30 a.m. at 8:30 a.m.

Police in Guelph said there were 26 reported collisions as of 8:30 a.m. Police said there were no serious injuries reported.