Severe snow squalls target southern Ontario with risk of 30-50+ cm by Saturday
Major lake-effect snow squalls will hit the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and southern Ontario, bringing intense snowfall, reduced visibility, and rapidly changing conditions, which could create hazardous commuting.
Challenging travel conditions are expected to develop Thursday afternoon and evening as lake-effect snow bands expand beyond the snowbelt regions, reaching parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Snow totals in the GTA will remain lower; however, localized bursts of snow, combined with strong winds and dropping temperatures, will coincide with the afternoon and evening commute. Visibility could shift rapidly from clear to poor over short distances. Untreated roads may become icy and snow-covered, especially west and northwest of the GTA.
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In snowbelt regions, whiteouts are expected, potentially leading to road closures west of Lake Huron into Thursday night and Friday. Snowfall in the hardest-hit snowbelt areas could reach 25-50+ cm.
Residents should stock up on essential supplies, such as food, water, medications, and batteries, and ensure their heating systems are working properly as soon as possible before the snow starts.
Dangerous multi-day snow squall event picks up Thursday and Friday, risk of 20-40+ cm
Severe travel disruptions are expected from Thursday afternoon as lake-effect snow squalls intensify.
Snow squalls will extend well beyond traditional snowbelt regions, impacting parts of the GTA. Abrupt changes to visibility, and quick transitions from calm conditions to near whiteouts are likely, especially on sections of the 400-series highways. Untreated roads may turn icy as temperatures drop rapidly.
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Winds will remain gusty on Thursday, reaching 40-60 km/h, and up to 80 km/h along lakeshores, creating blowing and drifting snow.
Persistent squalls in snowbelt areas, such as Highway 21, 6, and 10, could result in whiteouts and road closures.
Snow accumulations through Saturday could reach 40-50+ cm, with some areas, including Listowel, Mitchell, and Huron County, seeing up to 60 cm. Residents should monitor potential school closures on Friday.
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Forecasters expect dominant snow squalls on Friday morning, as well.
One squall off Lake Huron may stretch from Goderich to Woodstock and along Highway 8 and parts of the 401 and 403.
Another squall off Georgian Bay will affect areas near Lake Simcoe, the 400, 404, and eastern sections of the 401. Hazardous visibility and travel conditions will persist through Friday, easing by Friday night into Saturday morning.
Visibility and driving hazards will persist under these squalls Friday morning. Consider delaying travel in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
Sunday system could drop another 5-15+ cm of snow across southern, eastern Ontario
Another system is expected to impact southern and eastern Ontario from late Saturday into Sunday, bringing widespread wet snow.
Snowfall totals of 5-15+ cm are expected from Windsor to Ottawa, extending north to North Bay and into Quebec near and north of the St. Lawrence. Most areas will likely see 10-15+ cm, while southern regions could receive 5-10 cm if precipitation transitions to light rain before ending.
Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) requires just 10.6 cm more snowfall to mark the snowiest November since 2002.
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If winter tires aren’t already installed, this is the final chance as the cold and active pattern appears set to continue.
Temperatures will trend colder through December, with below-normal values dominating. Brief periods of milder air may move north at times.
The time to prepare is now
When it comes to facing severe winter weather, you can never be too prepared. The infographic below has some handy tips on what you need to face another winter season.
Click here for a zoomable version of this graphic.
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Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your weather across Ontario.