WINDSOR -- Looks like it's time to get out the snow shovels again.
Environment Canada says significant snowfall amounts are expected overnight through Saturday evening.
A snowfall warning is in effect for Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
The forecaster says an approaching low pressure system will bring snowfall to Southwestern Ontario, beginning overnight which will spread eastward to the Golden Horseshoe on Saturday morning.
Total snowfall amounts of 15 to 20 centimetres are expected. Some locations may transition over to periods of rain late Saturday.
Strong winds gusting up to 60 kilometres per hour may also create areas of local blowing snow.
The snow or rain will change to flurries overnight Saturday night.
Visibilities may be reduced in areas of blowing snow, which can make travel hazardous.
Windsor crews prepare
City of Windsor Public Works crews and contractors say they will be ready to deal with the snow.
City staff will monitor weather forecasts and begin salting, when required, to help ensure roads remain as safe as possible. Plowing starts once the snowfall accumulation reaches five centimetres, and an average route takes from three to six hours to complete once the snow has stopped falling, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Once the main roads are clear, and only if more than 10 centimetres of snow have fallen, trucks will then move into residential areas.
Residents and property owners are reminded that clearing of sidewalks abutting their property is their responsibility.
Under the Highway Traffic Act and City of Windsor by-laws, it is prohibited to shovel snow back onto the street while clearing sidewalks and driveways, as this creates unsafe road conditions for motorists.
All sidewalks in commercial areas are to be cleared within four hours after the snowfall ends and within twelve hours in residential areas.
