WEATHER ALERT
ENVIRONMENT CANADA
*************************
Snow Squall Warning in effect for:
- Barrie - Collingwood - Hillsdale
- Bracebridge - Gravenhurst
- Midland - Coldwater - Orr Lake
- Orillia - Lagoon City - Washago
Hazardous lake effect snow squalls expected through Friday.
Hazards: Locally heavy snowfall with accumulations of 40 to 80 cm through Friday, though lesser amounts likely for the city of Barrie. Peak snowfall rates of 5 to 10 cm per hour. Very poor visibility at times in heavy snow and local blowing snow.
Timing: Continuing into Friday.
Discussion: Lake effect snow squalls off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay have developed in the wake of a strong cold front. Strong westerly winds gusting up to 70 km/h will accompany the snow squalls this morning, resulting in blowing snow and significantly reduced visibility. Travel under the heaviest snow squalls is expected to be difficult to nearly impossible at times.
Locally higher snowfall amounts greater than 80 cm are possible, especially if a strong snow squall band remains over the same area. Road closures are possible given the expected poor travel conditions. Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.
If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
*************************
