50 cm of snow across central Ontario expected this weekend

Oh, the weather outside is expected to be frightful in central Ontario.

Environment Canada has called for snow squall warnings and watches across a great swath of our region.

The national weather agency is calling for local accumulations to exceed 50 centimetres by the end of the weekend.

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The weather warming statement reads, "Lake effect snow squalls are occurring to the north of the region and are expected to move south into the area today. These bands will shift from time to time but will be capable of intense snowfall rates. Travel is expected to be difficult to nearly impossible at times under these bands. As is common with snow squalls, snowfall amounts will be highly variable."

Snow Squall Warning

Environment Canada issued a snow squall warning on Friday for Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Orillia, Lagoon City, Washago, Huntsville, Baysville, Manitoulin Island, Midland, Coldwater, Orr Lake, Owen Sound, the Blue Mountains, Northern Grey County, Port Carling, Port Severn, Shelburne, Mansfield, Northern Dufferin County, Parry Sound, Rosseau and Killbear Park.

The weather alert calls for accumulations exceeding 75 centimetres by late Sunday "with poor visibility in bursts of heavy snow and local blowing snow."

Snow Squall Watch

The national weather agency issued a snow squall watch for Barrie, Collingwood, Hillsdale, Grand Valley, Orangeville and Southern Dufferin County.

It notes local accumulations could exceed 40 centimetres, with the wintry weather continuing through the weekend into early next week.