Winter storm, snowfall warning issued with up to 20cm possible: Here's what to expect

Parts of Simcoe and Dufferin counties, Muskoka, and surrounding areas can expect potentially hazardous travel conditions with the risk of freezing rain as a winter storm blows into the region.

Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning, noting an approaching Colorado low would bring a mix of snow and ice pellets for much of southern Ontario starting Wednesday evening.

The weather agency says Innisfil, New Tecumseth, Angus, Midland, Orillia, Coldwater, Washago, Lagoon City, parts of Dufferin County, and surrounding areas can expect the winter blast.

Light snow will shift to heavier snowfall throughout the later part of Wednesday afternoon.

School bus cancellations are possible due to the storm.

Up to 20 centimetres of snow and ice across the region is possible.

Commuters are urged to drive cautiously.

""It could make for some very challenging driving," noted OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt on Wednesday in a video posted on social media.

While the snow, ice pellets and freezing rain is expected to taper off Thursday morning, Environment Canada says another "wintry mix of precipitation" could hit that afternoon and continue into the evening.

Muskoka is also under a snowfall warning, with "significant snowfall" predicted to start Wednesday evening.

Heavy and blowing snow will make driving conditions tricky throughout cottage country, with reduced visibility.

"A lull in snowfall is expected Thursday morning before another round of snow arrives from the west Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening," Environment Canada notes.