‘Brief but intense snowfall’ returns to parts of central Ontario Tuesday morning

Weather reporter K.C. Colby says we can expect a few warmer days this week.

Drivers across central Ontario could face a sudden return to winter Tuesday morning, as a burst of heavy snow moves through the region.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement at 5:26 a.m., warning that a brief but intense period of snow may reduce visibility and create rapidly changing conditions.

While amounts are only expected to be between four and eight centimetres, the statement says the primary concern is not how much snow falls, but how quickly conditions could change.

“Given that the heavy snow will be brief, the primary hazard will be significantly reduced visibility as opposed to snowfall accumulations,” said the national weather agency.

• CTV Barrie’s five-day extended forecast and more

Snow may linger longer in areas closer to the St. Lawrence River.

This advisory applies to Barrie, Collingwood and Hillsdale, as well as Newmarket, Georgina and northern York Region. Innisfil, New Tecumseth and Angus are also included.

The snow is also expected to touch down in cottage country, hitting Bracebridge and Gravenhurst.

The most intense periods are expected during the morning when visibility may drop and roads could become slippery. Environment Canada reminds drivers to prepare for quickly changing conditions.