Snow squalls gradually ease in the south, eastern Ontario digs out of 25 cm of snow

Thursday, November 28, 2013, 8:29 AM -

Intensifying snow squalls in southwestern Ontario led to treacherous roadway conditions Wednesday evening.

Multiple highways were closed due to collisions as wet snow coated the ground, courtesy of squalls coming off of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron.

"Based on historical references, the band of snow off of Lake Michigan is creating squalls that are dumping snow at a rate of 10 to 15 cm per hour," says Brian Dillon, a meteorologist at The Weather Network. "Using those same references, it appears the bands coming off of Lake Huron are dumping snow at a rate of 5 to 10 cm per hour."

Environment Canada says motorists should be prepared for hazardous winter driving conditions with near zero visibility in areas south of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay again on Thursday, with the lake effect snow expected to ease completely by Friday. 

Still, some places could pick up an additional 5-15 cm through Friday morning. 

OTTAWA, QUEBEC A WINTER WONDERLAND

As of Wednesday morning, Ottawa’s airport had reported almost 25 cm of snow. 

By the end of the work day, the snowfall had tapered.

The snow has eased over in Montreal as well, with the city picking up 10-15 cm. 

Parts of the province recorded freezing rain as well, which resulted in icy roads and dangerous driving conditions.

The Greater Toronto Area was on the edge of this storm, with western portions receiving 2 cm or less and 4 to 8 cm falling inland from Lake Ontario from about Yonge Street and east.