Up to 100 cm of snow to bury parts of Ontario

Parts of Ontario are preparing for a major snowfall this weekend.

Initial forecasts indicated up to 50 centimetres could fall over the weekend in areas north of the GTA.

Now, forecasters have increased that amount to up to 100 centimetres.

An “impactful snow squall event” could bring up to 100 centimetres of snow in areas east of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, Instant Weather said in a post on Friday.

The snow had reportedly started in some areas on Thursday evening.

“By the end of Saturday, some parts of the snowbelt region could be digging out of up to 50 to 100cm of snow,” Instant Weather said.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has also increased snowfall totals. Some areas of the province could see amounts exceeding 75 cm by Sunday afternoon, the national weather forecast said.

“Intense bands of lake effect snow off Georgian Bay and Lake Huron will affect the area through the weekend. These bands will shift from time to time but will be capable of intense snowfall rates,” the snow squall warning states.

Peak snowfall rates of five to 10 centimetres per hour are expected. The snowfall amounts will be highly variable.

The snow is expected to continue until Sunday afternoon.

Drivers may want to stay home as there could be zero visibility on the roads at times in heavy snow and local blowing snow.

“Travel is expected to be difficult to nearly impossible at times under these bands,” the warning states. “Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common.”

Road closures and power outages are likely.

“If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone,” the warning states.

The snow squall warning is in effect for many cities and towns including Huntsville, Baysville, Bracebridge,, Gravenhurst, Bruce Peninsula, Sauble Beach, Tobermory, Fenelon Falls, Balsam Lake Park, northern Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Minden, southern Haliburton County,Grey County, Manitoulin Island, Midland, Orillia, Lagoon City, Washago, Saugeen Shores, Kincardine and southern Bruce County.

A snow squall watch is also in effect for many communities including Orangeville, Grand Valley, southern Dufferin County, Listowel, Milverton, southern Perth County, Elliot Lake, Ranger Lake, Barrie and Collingwood.

An Environment Canada map shows the areas with snow squall warnings in red and watches in yellow.

Lead photo: Kaboompics.com