Toronto and parts of southern Ontario are experiencing severe winter weather conditions as heavy flurries and snow squalls sweep across the region. Environment Canada has issued snow squall warnings and watches for several areas, advising people to postpone non-essential travel and prepare for reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions.
Snow squall warnings for areas north of Toronto
According to Environment Canada, an organized lake effect snow band is affecting areas on or near Georgian Bay, such as Midland, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Parry Sound. These areas could see between 40 and 70 centimeters of snow accumulation by Monday afternoon, with local snowfall rates reaching up to 4 cm per hour. The snow squalls are expected to last overnight before tapering off early Tuesday.
Other areas under snow squall warnings include Wingham, northern Huron County, the Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory, Sauble Beach, northern Kawartha Lakes, and Fenelon Falls. These areas could receive up to 15 centimeters of additional snow by mid-Monday, with strong winds gusting up to 70 km/h creating blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Environment Canada urges people in these areas to take frequent breaks while clearing snow and to stay in their vehicles if they get stranded while driving. “Travel may be extremely hazardous due to sudden changes in the weather,” the agency said.
Snow squall watches for areas south of Toronto
Meanwhile, areas south of Toronto are under snow squall watches, meaning that there is a potential for snow squalls to develop from Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. These squalls could bring 15 to 30 centimeters of extra snow by Tuesday, with the highest amounts likely near the shoreline. The squalls could also be accompanied by gusts of 60 km/h, causing blowing snow and poor visibility.
The areas under snow squall watches include Haldimand County, Niagara Falls, Welland, Prince Edward County, Napanee, Kingston, Gananoque, and Mallorytown. Environment Canada warns that the squalls could affect Highway 401 and other major roads, and advises people to delay non-essential travel until conditions improve. “Visibility may be significantly and suddenly reduced to near zero,” the agency said.
Toronto expects the first snowfall of the season
As for Toronto, the city is expected to see its first snowfall of the season on Sunday evening, as rain showers will be mixed with flurries throughout the day. The high temperature is forecast to reach 4 C and the overnight low will drop to -2 C. The city is also under a special weather statement as strong westerly winds continue to blow, gusting up to 80 km/h. The strongest winds are expected on the eastern shores of the Great Lakes, where they could reach up to 90 km/h.
Environment Canada says the winds could cause loose objects to fly and tree branches to break, resulting in isolated power outages. The winds are expected to ease from west to east later on Sunday night.
