Snow squall watch issued for Toronto as winter storm triggers emergency alert in Barrie area

The OPP have issued a warning about hazardous driving conditions in Ontario as snow squalls persist throughout the day.

A snow squall watch has been issued for Toronto as strong winds continue in the Greater Toronto Area and parts of the province continue to deal with messy winter weather.

Environment Canada issued a “yellow watch” for parts of the GTA, including the City of Toronto, as flurries begin this afternoon.

The national weather agency said although snowfall amounts are not expected to be “significant,” visibility may be reduced at times.

“Transient lake effect snow squalls off Lake Huron may impact portions of the region through the day,” the weather advisory read.

“In addition, northwesterly winds gusting 50 to 70 km/h may result in blowing snow and reduced visibility, particularly in open areas. Visibility may be suddenly reduced to near zero at times.”

• For hourly and daily forecast, including snowfall totals, visit our weather hub here.

Environment Canada said motorists need to be prepared for “quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.”

Meanwhile areas north of the GTA are dealing with harsher conditions. The Township of Springwater, in the Barrie area, issued an emergency alert Tuesday, urging people to stay off the roads and avoid all non-essential travel due to a significant winter storm.

OPP have also reported lane closures on Highway 400, around Innisfil Beach Road, due to a multi-vehicle collision and poor road conditions.

Toronto is expected to see a high of -4 C today, but it will feel closer to -18 this morning and -12 this afternoon when factoring in the wind chill.

A similar forecast is on the horizon for New Year’s Eve.

Flurries and a risk of snow squalls are expected on Wednesday, with winds gusting up to 40 km/h. There will be a high of -2 C on New Year’s Eve but it will feel closer to -13 in the morning and -8 in the afternoon.

The frigid temperatures have prompted the city to keep five warming centres open, including facilities at 136 Spadina Road, 81 Elizabeth Street, 12 Holmes Avenue, Metro Hall at 55 John Street, and 885 Scarborough Golf Club Road.

Warming centres open when the temperature is forecasted to reach -5 C or when a warning is issued for a winter weather event.