Snow squalls could dump up to 60 cm of snow in some areas north of GTA
Heaviest snowfall forecast for shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, Environment Canada says
A vast swath of Ontario, including areas north and east of the GTA, could see heavy snowfall on Thursday and into Friday, Environment Canada says.
The federal weather agency has issued a snow squall warning that stretches from the shores of Lake Huron in the west to Belleville in the east, and all the way to Bracebridge in the north.
Some areas immediately east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay could see up to 60 cm of snow, according to Environment Canada, while other locations could get between 15 and 40 cm.
The snowfall was forecast to begin late Thursday morning and could continue into Friday before tapering off.
"Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common," the warning says.
"Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow."
While Toronto proper and surrounding cities are expected to avoid any messy winter weather, a travel advisory has been issued for areas further west including Burlington, Guelph, Waterloo and Kitchener.
The weather will affect Canada Post deliveries in some areas.
There will be no deliveries in Barrie, Listowel or Wingham Thursday, Canada Post said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Delivery will resume once conditions improve, the Crown corporation said. Customers are encouraged to clear snow and ice from their properties to allow mail carriers to safely access front doors once service resumes.