Snow squall warning in effect for Orillia and area

Current details:
Hazardous lake effect snow squalls to impact the region through the weekend.

Hazards:
Local accumulations possibly exceeding 50 cm by the end of the weekend.
Peak snowfall rates of 5 to 10 cm per hour.
Very poor to zero visibility in bursts of heavy snow and local blowing snow.

Timing:
Beginning this morning and continuing into the weekend. Ending Sunday afternoon.

Discussion:
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. Some areas may receive in excess of 50 cm by the end of the weekend.

Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common. Road closures are possible.

If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.