A winter storm warning for Windsor, Essex and Chatham-Kent has been downgraded to a wind warning.

High winds and snow squalls are expected in most parts of southwestern Ontario, according to Environment Canada.

Areas along the Lake Erie shoreline should expect "very strong winds" of up to 90 kilometres an hour. These winds are expected to die down by early Thursday morning.

Up to 15 centimetres of snow are expected to fall in some parts of the region by Thursday evening, though Environment Canada could not specify where. Environment Canada said thunder and lightning may accompany the snow.

Combined, the wind and snow will "reduce visibilities to zero," the national weather service said. Motorists are urged to use extra caution and allow extra travel time.