Potent snow squalls cause collisions, prompt road closures in parts of Ontario
Some Ontario communities could see up to 50 cm of additional snowfall by the time the potent snow squalls finally wind down late-day Tuesday. Consider postponing non-essential travel in impacted areas until conditions improve.
Family Day in southern Ontario was rather eventful, with prolonged snow squalls setting up along Lake Huron and Georgian Bay communities and a plane crash at Pearson International Airport.
Meanwhile, road closures have also been popping up for some locales near Lake Huron due to a potent band of lake-effect snow squalls.
SEE ALSO: Wind may have been a factor in plane crash at major Canadian airport
On Tuesday, dozens of collisions, many involving multiple vehicles, have occurred in Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce counties due to the heavy snow and blustery winds, forcing the closure of major provincial highways.
The squalls are expected to linger through much of the day Tuesday before easing in the evening. Some locales across southern Ontario could see more than 50 cm of additional snowfall through Tuesday. Meanwhile, 3-5 cm of additional snow is possible across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Stay up-to-date on your local weather alerts, and be sure to check the latest highway conditions before heading out this Family Day to ensure you don't get caught in these dangerous squalls.
Snow squall impacts for some areas
We're already starting to see impacts from the potent snow squalls. There has been reported road closures in and around many communities near Lake Huron as a result of the snow squalls and poor visibility.
(511 Ontario)
RELATED: Thousands snowed in as roads remain closed across southwestern Ontario counties
Parts of highways 4, 6, 10, 21, and 23 remain closed on Tuesday morning due to the hazardous travel conditions caused by the squalls.
Lake-effect snow squalls making travel dangerous through Tuesday
Potent and dangerous lake-effect snow squalls in southern Ontario will continue through Tuesday.
Snow squalls are continuing Tuesday as these bands meander across the snowbelt regions, possibly even stretching into parts of the GTA at times ––giving additional snowfall accumulation and reduced visibilities at times. Highway 400 could see some impacts Tuesday afternoon if the squalls do reach the GTA.
Northwesterly winds will continue to gust 40-70 km/h on Tuesday, creating localized whiteouts with blowing snow.
SEE ALSO: Struggling on messy winter roads? Car trapped in a snow pile? Here's what you do
Significant snowfall is possible for the Dundalk Highlands, including Owen Sound, Mount Forest, and Orangeville.
The heaviest amounts of snowfall are expected in Mount Forest, Hanover, and regions north of Orangeville, possibly piling up to 30-50+ cm by late-day Tuesday.
The snow will ease on Wednesday, although the frigid air temperatures will remain, along with freezing wind chills that will make you want to stay indoors. Wind chills will be especially brutal in the mornings, staying in or near the -20s.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather across Ontario.