Weather alerts are currently affecting large portions of Ontario as Environment Canada has issued multiple warnings to keep residents aware of dangerous conditions expected to arise over the coming days.
A blowing snow advisory was initiated on March 5, 2025, covering key areas including Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Owen Sound, and the Blue Mountains, among others. The advisory warns residents to expect poor visibility, with conditions dropping to nearly zero due to significant snowfall coupled with high winds. "Poor visibility locally near zero in snow and blowing snow is expected," stated Environment Canada. The snowfall forecast indicates accumulation of 7 to 12 centimeters as northwesterly winds reach gusts of up to 70 km/h.
Travel conditions are anticipated to worsen as temperatures are expected to fall rapidly after midnight on March 6. Icy and slippery roadways, compounded by blowing snow, will make navigation hazardous, especially over exposed areas. "Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations," emphasized the advisory, urging the public to take caution.
The advisory is coupled with warnings about flash freezes, projected to hit central Ontario simultaneously. Residents should prepare for slippery surfaces resulting from rain showers mixed with melting snow preceding the drop in temperature. These conditions heighten the risk of accidents, particularly for drivers on the road.
On top of the blowing snow advisory, Environment Canada has also issued a fog advisory affecting various areas, including Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, and parts of Northern York Region. The dense fog has already created challenges for visibility, with near-zero conditions expected to persist until strong northwesterly winds develop by early March 6. "Fog is expected to dissipate after midnight as strong northwesterly winds develop," local weather reports indicate.
Further complicate the situation is the possibility of flooding, as additional rainfall of 5 to 15 millimeters is anticipated to fall across regions already saturated from melting snow. A special weather statement details the expected rainfall, emphasizing the frozen ground's diminished ability to absorb the increased precipitation.
The authorities are advising residents impacted by these weather conditions to monitor alerts and forecasts closely. The Environment Canada advisory encourages communities to prepare for potential road closures and hazardous travel experiences across Ontario.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve by Thursday evening, March 6, though the forecast does warn of future lake-effect snow squalls beginning on March 7, which may flash freeze roadways once again. Residents should remain vigilant as weather conditions can change rapidly during this transitional period.
Officials strongly encourage everyone to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions stabilize. Any severe weather reports can be submitted to the relevant authorities or shared on social media using designated hashtags.
Overall, residents are advised to stay updated about the weather, prepare for possible travel disruptions, and heed any warnings issued by Environment Canada during this period of hazardous weather across Ontario.