Lake-effect snow squalls to impact post-holiday travels in Ontario – The Weather Network

Southern Ontario will clear up Wednesday evening, with lake-effect snow continuing for the snowbelt regions. Snow will begin Wednesday morning in the Ottawa region, and become heavy through the day. By then end of the day, folks in the Ottawa region could see around 5 cm of snow.

The lake-effect flurries will affect the snowbelt regions on Thursday. Difficult travel can be expected along the 400 highway in the north, especially around Barrie and Orillia. Some of the impacted areas could see upwards of 40+ cm of snow.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued snow squall watches and warnings for the Barrie area and Lake Huron shores, as well as for the Sault Ste. Marie area.

“Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common,” the agency states in their warning. “Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.”

A cold polar airmass will move into Ontario and stick around through the beginning of January, fuelling the multi-day lake effect snow.

The snow will stick around through Friday, meandering south in Goderich, London and Woodstock.