Blizzard, snow squall warnings in effect for parts of Ontario with 80 ...

A blizzard warning is in effect for areas in the Grey and Bruce counties due to hazardous lake effect snow squalls that could bring up to 80 centimetres of snow.

Environment Canada said “the worst blizzard conditions” are expected late Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

The areas under a blizzard warning include Hanover, Dundalk, Southern Grey County, Owen Sound, Blue Mountains, Northern Grey Country, Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Southern Bruce County, Wingham, Blyth, Northern Huron County.

Weather advisories Blizzard and snow squall warnings in effect for some parts of Ontario on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (CP24)

“Lake effect snow squalls off Lake Huron are forecast to become better organized as the night progresses. Strong westerly winds gusting up to 80 km/h will develop late overnight into Thursday morning resulting in widespread blowing snow with near zero visibility,” Environment Canada said.

The agency added that while winds are expected to ease Thursday afternoon, heavy snowfall will continue into Friday.

“Travel is expected to be difficult to nearly impossible,” Environment Canada said, advising motorists to avoid going out.

Areas could see snowfall accumulations of 40 to 80 centimetres through Friday. The forecast calls for peak snowfall rates of five to 10 centimetres per hour.

“Locally higher snowfall amounts greater than 80 cm are possible if a strong snow squall band remains over the same area,” Environment Canada said.

Snow squall warnings are in effect for surrounding areas, including in Barrie and Collingwood.

There are no weather advisories for the Greater Toronto Area. In the city, it will be a mix of sun and cloud on Thursday with a chance of flurries in the morning and a high of -4 C.