Overview

A fierce winter storm is set to blanket parts of Southern Ontario with significant snowfall, prompting snow squall warnings for key areas including Barrie and Innisfil. Residents can expect up to an astonishing 25 centimeters of snow by Wednesday evening, as forecasted by Environment Canada.

Affected Regions

The weather agency has issued these snow squall warnings for several regions, including Barrie, Goderich, Innisfil, Owen Sound, the Blue Mountains, Northern and Southern Grey County, and Stratford, among others.

Anticipated Conditions

The situation is anticipated to worsen, with Environment Canada predicting heavy snowfall, which could lead to an additional accumulation of 10 to 20 centimeters in certain areas throughout the day.

“Lake effect snow squalls will continue to impact the region today, bringing heavy snow and local blowing snow at times,” Environment Canada stated. Relief is expected, however, as the snow squalls may ease into light flurries by later this afternoon or early Wednesday evening.

Visibility and Travel Warnings

Visibility is a major concern, with forecasts indicating potential reductions to near-zero during heavy snow and blowing snow events. Travelers are advised to exercise caution, as roads will likely become hazardous in many regions affected by this winter onslaught.

Extreme Cold Warnings

Meanwhile, regions such as Fort Hope and Fort Severn are under extreme cold warnings, highlighting the severity of the ongoing winter conditions across Ontario.

Toronto Forecast

For those in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), snowfall accumulation isn’t predicted until Friday, when another weather system could drop around 5 centimeters to close out the week.

Despite the lack of immediate snowfall, daytime temperatures in Toronto are set to plunge to around -7°C on Wednesday, coupling with a wind chill that makes it feel closer to -14°C.

A Glimmer of Hope

As a glimmer of hope, Toronto residents may see some sunshine on Thursday with a projected high of -4°C, providing a brief respite before the next round of winter weather.

Conclusion

Stay tuned, Southern Ontario! These treacherous conditions are just beginning, and it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared as the winter storm sweeps through.