Snow squalls expected across southern Ontario

A car moves along an asphalt road during icy winter weather in this undated image. (File photo/IGOR KUTNII/Getty Images)

UPDATE: As of Monday at noon, there were no active warnings for Waterloo Region and most surrounding areas. Snow squalls were, however, still in place for Woodstock, Bright, Stratford and St. Marys.

Southern Ontario is preparing for another round of disruptive weather as strong snow squalls are expected to develop on Sunday and continue into Monday.

A powerful cold front will sweep away Saturday’s warm air, allowing cold northwesterly winds to blow across the relatively warm waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. This setup is known for producing lake-effect snow, which can create fast-moving squalls and heavy snowfall.

Forecasters at The Weather Network said the main snow squall off Lake Huron will affect communities from London to Woodstock. Another squall off Georgian Bay is expected to hit areas from Collingwood toward Highway 400, south of Barrie.

Snowfall totals could reach 20 to 30 centimetres in parts of Huron, Middlesex, Elgin, Perth and Oxford counties, with higher amounts possible if the snow band stays in one place. Communities downwind of Georgian Bay could see 5 to 15 centimetres by Monday.

Drivers should be prepared for quickly changing conditions, forecasters say. Visibility may shift from clear to complete whiteout conditions when entering a snow squall. Wind gusts of 60 to 80 km/h may also make driving difficult and further reduce visibility.

Snow squalls are expected to continue through Sunday, overnight, and into Monday.