Ontario is bracing for significant winter weather impacts this weekend as snow squall warnings and winter weather advisories sweep across the region. A storm system is anticipated to blanket southern and central Ontario with widespread snowfall of 5 to 10 centimeters, but not before drivers face the immediate challenges of lake-effect snow and deteriorated road conditions on Friday.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued snow squall warnings alongside travel advisories, urging motorists to prepare for changing and dangerous road situations. According to ECCC, "Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions." The snow squalls threaten to deliver between 15 and 20 centimeters of snow leading up to the weekend.
North of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), travel will be particularly treacherous throughout the day, as blowing snow and lake-effect squalls will impact major highways. Reports came of significant traffic incidents including a major multi-vehicle pile-up on Highway 11 near Orillia, where conditions rapidly worsened during the morning commute, closing southbound lanes.
By Friday afternoon, winds from the northwest are expected to drive snow squalls from Owen Sound down to Wasaga Beach, with the snowfall intensifying from Midland to Barrie. The winds will shift slightly north, moving the squalls toward Orillia and Gravenhurst. “Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometers are common,” warns ECCC. Accumulations of 10 to 20 centimeters are possible from these squalls before another 5 to 10 centimeters blankets the area, which could arrive with the approaching Colorado low over the weekend.
The persistent lake-effect snow has already created challenging conditions across several communities this winter, as cold air and open water combined to establish what some have described as a “snow machine” since November. This has left some parts of Ontario struggling under the weight of continued snowfall.
Looking forward to the weekend, forecasters are carefully monitoring the Colorado low as it approaches the Great Lakes region. This system promises to contribute to the total snow accumulation starting Saturday evening, with areas including the GTA and Niagara Peninsula expecting up to 10 centimeters. On the other hand, Ottawa may see less than 5 centimeters.
With road safety remaining at the forefront, local officials are reminding residents to remain cautious. Areas like Barrie, Bracebridge, Tobermory, and Orillia are under specific snow squall warnings, with other parts of the GTA experiencing weather advisories as light snow and local conditions fluctuate.
Parents and guardians should also take heed, as school bus cancellations have already taken place across various regions, including Durham and Muskoka, necessitating alternate transportation arrangements. While some regions such as Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa, and Whitby maintain normal school operations, those affected must be aware of updated schedules.
Weather conditions across Toronto are not currently under alert; nevertheless, flurries are possible with high winds contributing to wind chills as low as -15 degrees Celsius. The expected high of -4 degrees may feel significantly colder due to the wind chill.
With winter storms seeming intent on continuing through the season, it remains particularly important for drivers to stay informed on weather updates. Particularly this weekend, they should be vigilant, especially when traveling through affected areas. The call to safety is urgent: if visibility is reduced, it’s recommended to turn on vehicle lights and maintain ample space between cars.
Stay tuned to local news channels and meteorology updates for the latest weather alerts and forecasts, ensuring readiness for the changing conditions.