Snow squalls expected to bring up to 30 cm and near-zero visibility, forecasters warn

Here's our weather forecast for the week of Jan. 27.

Just when you thought Mother Nature might finally be taking a breather, she’s lacing up her winter boots and heading back into Simcoe County with more snow squalls.

Environment Canada issued yellow snow squall warnings across a wide stretch of the region Tuesday morning. Forecast Confidence: High.

What’s coming: Up to 30 cm dumping

Starting Tuesday afternoon and lasting into Wednesday morning, snow squalls are expected to touch down in Barrie, Collingwood, Orillia, Owen Sound, Midland, Innisfil, and parts of Grey and Dufferin counties.

Some regions could see 15 to 30 centimetres of snow, according to the national weather agency. “Accumulations may exceed 30 centimetres in the most persistent lake effect snow bands,” states forecasters.

Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Orangeville, Port Carling, and Port Severn are expected to see the snow return too, with an estimated 5 to 10 cm dumping.

What to expect: Hazardous travels

Bundle up: You could be faced with southwesterly winds gusting up to 50 kilometres an hour.

Environment Canada says travel will likely be hazardous, and road closures are possible, particularly overnight.

Sudden whiteout conditions, rapidly changing road conditions, and blowing snow, which reduces visibility even after plows pass, may strain residents and drivers.

According to weather experts, the worst conditions are expected Tuesday night, with some improvement Wednesday morning as squalls weaken and shift north.