Central Ontario shrouded in fog ahead of winter storm, up to 15 cm of snow possible

A mess of a mixture of rain, freezing rain pellets, snow or sleet and fog is on its way to Central Ontario.

Drivers across parts of Central Ontario are waking up to thick fog and a looming winter storm.

A yellow advisory for fog is in effect Tuesday morning for Barrie, Collingwood, Innisfil, Newmarket, Orillia and surrounding areas.

Near-zero visibility is possible in some places, with conditions expected to improve later in the morning. Environment Canada reminds drivers to use headlights, reduce speed and allow extra following distance when heading out.

Snowfall warning - 10 to 15 cm possible

Meanwhile, a yellow snowfall warning has been issued for many of the same regions starting Wednesday morning.

Environment Canada says 10 to 15 centimetres of snow is possible, along with a risk of freezing rain and ice pellets. The mix could create icy, slippery roads and difficult travel conditions through Wednesday evening.

“Several hours of freezing rain are likely Wednesday,” says the national weather agency. “Easterly winds gusting to 60 kilometres an hour combined with ice accretion may lead to utility outages and tree damage.”

Residents in Southern Grey County can expect to see freezing rain Tuesday, as an orange warning is in effect. Freezing rain should taper off later Wednesday afternoon or evening.

Environment Canada says ice accretion of five to 10 millimetres is likely in that area.