Winter is ... here! Snow squall watch issued for London area

Get ready for the first taste of winter.

Environment Canada has issued a snow squall watch for the London area, including eastern and western Middlesex County, Strathroy, Parkhill and Komoka.

Snow squalls are expected to develop off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay Thursday evening into Friday.

Accumulations of 15 centimetres or more are possible and visibility will be significantly reduced due to blowing snow.

The temperature is also going to drop as a cold front moves across southern Ontario prior to the snow squalls, changing rain to flurries, and potentially causing icy conditions on the roads for the afternoon drive home.

A winter weather travel advisory is in effect for the Windsor-Chatham-Sarnia area for Thursday afternoon and evening.

It's a good time to get your snow tires on and to make sure you have an emergency kit in your car with water, food, a first-aid kit and flashlight.