Environment Canada has issued a snow squall watch for Barrie, Collingwood and Hillsdale, warning of potential travel hazards and lots of snow starting late Friday and continuing through the weekend.
Flurries are forecast to begin Friday evening. By Sunday, Environment Canada predicts snowfall accumulation could exceed 40 centimetres in some areas, although the amounts could vary widely.
The department is warning of “very poor visibility in bursts of heavy snow and local blowing snow” over the weekend. Sudden changes in the weather could make travel hazardous, as squalls can shift from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres.
Environment Canada is recommending people in the snow squall areas consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
The hazardous weather could extend into the start of next week, according to the alert issued Friday morning.
Toronto is expected to miss the worst of this weekend’s hazardous winter weather.
Squalls are forecast to be heavier further north toward Parry Sound, and east in Orillia, Lagoon City and Washago. Environment Canada has issued separate alerts for these areas.