Severe winter weather to impact much of Ontario on Friday

A powerful storm system is expected to bring a wide range of hazardous weather to much of Ontario on Friday, with snow, rain, ice, strong winds and bitter cold creating dangerous travel conditions across the province.

Environment Canada says northeastern and far northeastern Ontario could see significant snowfall as a low-pressure system moves into Quebec. Some areas may receive 15 to 20 centimetres of snow, with near-zero visibility possible in blowing snow as winds gust up to 70 kilometres per hour. Other parts of the region could see an additional five to 15 centimetres of snow.

In parts of northeastern Ontario, rain is expected to change to snow late Thursday night or early Friday, with temperatures dropping rapidly. Forecasters warn that water on roads and walkways will freeze quickly, leading to icy conditions and reduced visibility in blowing snow.

Areas east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay may face one of the most complex mixes of hazards. Rainfall totals of 10 to 20 millimetres are expected before changing to snow Friday morning, with snow squalls developing behind a cold front. Snowfall amounts of 10 to 20 centimetres are possible in squalls, though confidence remains low on where they will develop. Winds in the area could gust up to 80 kilometres per hour, further reducing visibility.

Eastern Ontario and the northeastern shores of lakes Erie and Ontario are also expected to see heavy rain, strong winds and a changeover to snow later Friday. Rainfall totals of up to 30 millimetres are forecast in some areas, raising concerns about localized flooding due to frozen ground and snowmelt. Wind gusts of 70 to 90 kilometres per hour could lead to power outages and hazardous driving, particularly during the Friday rush hour.