Storm could dump up to 40 cm of snow on parts of southern Ontario

A winter storm is expected to move into southern Ontario on Sunday night, bringing significant amounts of snow and a much more difficult commute on the roads by morning.

Environment Canada says a low pressure system tracking south of the Great Lakes will generate snowfall amounts of 25 to 40 centimetres in some areas by Monday night.

The agency's winter storm watch says the heaviest amounts are forecast for much of eastern Ontario and the Niagara Peninsula, as well as Simcoe County north of Toronto.

The Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton could see accumulations of 15 to 20 centimetres by Monday night.

Environment Canada is advising people to "consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve."

"There may be a significant impact on rush-hour traffic in urban areas."

Peak snowfall rates of two to five centimetres per hour are possible by Monday morning, with blowing snow possible Monday afternoon and evening, reducing visibility, the agency said.

For Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, snowfall amounts of five to 15 centimetres are expected by Monday night. Environment Canada says there is "some uncertainty in exact amounts" for these areas because they lie on the western edge of the storm.