Snow squalls, whiteouts, strong winds set to slam Central Ontario

Environment Canada's Dave Phillips with a look at wild and unpredictable weather across Canada and whether we will have a white Christmas.

Hazardous winter weather is expected to impact much of central Ontario Friday as snow squalls, strong winds and rapidly falling temperatures move through, prompting warnings from Environment Canada and Ontario Provincial Police.

Environment Canada issued a yellow weather watch for snow squalls, citing moderate impacts and high confidence in the forecast. The agency says lake-effect snow squalls off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay are expected to develop Friday morning and continue into the evening.

Forecasters say local snowfall amounts of 10 to 20 centimetres are possible in some areas, but reduced visibility will be the primary concern. Heavy snow combined with blowing snow could cause visibility to suddenly drop to near zero, particularly on open stretches of road.

Environment Canada says winds are expected to shift from west to northwest throughout the day. As a result, snow squalls may move frequently and are not expected to remain over one location for long periods. Even so, rapidly changing conditions could make travel unpredictable.

The snow squall watch covers a wide area, including Barrie, Collingwood and Hillsdale; Orillia, Lagoon City and Washago; Bracebridge and Gravenhurst; Innisfil, New Tecumseth and Angus; Midland, Coldwater and Orr Lake; Fenelon Falls, Balsam Lake Park and northern Kawartha Lakes; Huntsville and Baysville; and Owen Sound, the Blue Mountains and northern Grey County.

Special Weather Statement

Environment Canada has also issued a special weather statement warning of gusty winds and icy conditions. A strong cold front is expected to move through the region Friday morning, causing temperatures to fall quickly below the freezing mark. Surfaces that are wet from earlier precipitation could become icy and slippery as temperatures drop.

Westerly winds are forecast to gust between 60 and 80 kilometres per hour through the day and into the night. Environment Canada says the combination of strong winds and falling temperatures could make travel difficult at times and may lead to localized power outages.

Provincial police are also warning drivers to prepare for dangerous travel conditions. Police say several communities may experience heavy snowfall, whiteout conditions on open highways, freezing rain and rapidly changing road conditions.

OPP are urging motorists to avoid non-essential travel where possible and to obey all road closures. Drivers are advised to slow down, adjust their driving to the conditions, keep headlights on and maintain safe following distances.

Police also recommend ensuring vehicles are equipped with emergency supplies, including warm clothing, food, water and a charged cellphone, in case of delays or unexpected road closures.

Environment Canada says conditions could change quickly throughout the day and is reminding residents to monitor forecasts and warnings as the winter weather system moves through the region.