'Significant' winter storm expected to hit Toronto this weekend

A man uses an umbrella to take cover from the blizzard like conditions in Toronto on Wednesday, March 12, 2014. (Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

A major winter storm is expected to hit parts of southern Ontario this weekend, as a low pressure system makes its way across the region.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for Toronto and the surrounding areas on Thursday, warning of a possible "significant winter storm" and fluctuating weather conditions.

"Precipitation should begin Saturday as snow, before changing to rain later… Significant snow amounts are possible over central and eastern Ontario," the national weather agency said in a statement.

The mercury is expected to reach a high of 2 C on Saturday, and 10 C on Sunday. But according to Environment Canada, the warmth is expected to be short-lived.

"A cold front sweeping across southern Ontario late Sunday will bring a return to cold temperatures, strong winds and flurries."

Environment Canada is warning commuters and drivers that "travel will likely be difficult" this weekend due to the changes in the weather during the storm.