Special weather alert issued for blowing snow, freezing drizzle in Simcoe County

With temps in the very tolerable range for February, it's as if Mother Nature has a heart after all.

Up to five centimetres of fresh snow combined with powerful wind gusts are expected to whip up dangerous conditions for Simcoe County residents beginning Friday afternoon.

Environment Canada issued a weather alert at 6:14 a.m., warning that winds blowing up to 50 kilometres an hour could develop later in the day.

“Near-zero visibility is possible for wind-prone and exposed areas,” states Environment Canada in a special weather statement.

Snowfall amounts of two to five centimetres are expected to fall through the afternoon and early evening. Climatologists say the combination of fresh snow and strong winds will likely create hazardous driving conditions.

As the snow tapers off in the evening, freezing drizzle may develop, increasing the risk of icy and slippery roads and sidewalks. Any freezing drizzle is expected to end by Saturday morning, says the national weather agency.

Drivers are being reminded to prepare for rapidly changing and deteriorating travel conditions heading into their long weekend.