Environment Canada is warning about dangerous winter weather across parts of eastern Canada, including blowing snow in southern Ontario and a risk of flooding and wind damage in parts of Newfoundland.

Much of southern Ontario was hit by a surprise storm Thursday afternoon leading to “near zero visibility” in some areas, including Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, according to an advisory from Environment Canada.

Traffic was moving slowly and some stretches of highway had to be closed. “Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions,” the weather agency advised. “Consider postponing non-essential travel.”

Although the snow had stopped in some areas by late Thursday afternoon, it was expected to return Friday night. Up to 15 cm more expected for parts of southern Ontario overnight Friday and into Saturday.

Coastal flooding, wind damage possible in Newfoundland

Snow squalls and blizzards were also reported in parts of Quebec and Atlantic Canada, while blizzard warning, wind warnings and storm surge warnings were issued for much of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Winds were expected to gust to between 80 and 110 km/h overnight in coastal Newfoundland and “damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur,” according to the federal weather agency. “High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break," they added.

Environment Canada was also forecasting a storm surge of 60 to 80 cm along parts of the south, southwest and northeast coasts of Newfoundland that could lead to flooding.

“High waves combined with the surge may cause damage along the coast,” Environment Canada’s warning states. “People close to the shoreline should stay on the lookout for worsening conditions.”