60 cm of snow coming this week in parts of Ontario

Up to 60 cm of snow could fall in parts of Ontario over the next two days.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a snowsquall warning for parts of Ontario Thursday.

Locally heavy snowfall with accumulations up to 60 cm is expected in areas to the north and west of the GTA including Owen Sound, Grey County and Barrie.

Areas closer to the GTA such as Newmarket could get up to 40 cm and Kitchener up to 20 cm of snow.

The OPP reported heavy snow around midnight on Thursday with a vehicle in the ditch on Highway 401 in Kitchener.

The squalls started off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay late Wednesday evening.

The snow is expected to continue Thursday before moving south of the area Friday morning.

Northwest winds could gust up to 60 km/h resulting in blowing snow and significantly reduced visibility at times, Environment Canada said.

“Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow,” the warning stated. “Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult.”

The areas in red have snowsquall warnings while the areas in grey have snow advisories in effect.

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.

Road closures are possible.

Drivers should consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.

Lead photo: Yura Forrat