Snowstorm and extreme cold warnings issued for Ontario

Stormy winter weather is expected across Ontario on Thursday and Friday.

Hazardous lake effect snow off Lake Huron is expected to bring blizzard conditions Thursday morning in the Owen Sound and Wingham areas, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Travel is not recommended in these areas due to wind gusts up to 80 km/h resulting in near zero visibility in blowing snow. Winds should ease somewhat is the afternoon, although heavy snowfall will continue into Friday.

“Travel is expected to be difficult to nearly impossible,” the warning states.

In other areas of the province, including Orillia, Huntsville, Orangeville and Dufferin County, snow squall warnings are in effect.

Lake effect snow squalls are expected in these areas Thursday through to Friday.

Blowing snow conditions are likely Thursday morning. Heavy snowfall with accumulations of 15 to 20 centimetres is expected by Friday.

Winds gusts up to 70 km/h could result in very poor visibility at times in blowing snow. Peak snowfall rates of three to six centimetres per hour are also forecast.

The highest snowfall amounts are expected closer to Lake Huron.

Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common, the warning notes. Road closures are possible, the warning states.

In northern areas of Ontario, including Kenora an extreme cold warning was issued. Extreme cold wind chill values near -40 C were expected Thursday morning.

The areas in red show where snow squall or blizzard warnings are in effect.

Lead photo: Chris Peeters