Dangerous road conditions as potent squalls bring 20 cm to Ontario
Snow squall warnings are in effect as lake-effect snow kicks up off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay on Friday
All eyes are on the weekend forecast, and a storm system that could bring a widespread 5-10+ cm of snow across southern and central Ontario.
But drivers throughout the traditional snowbelt regions will first be challenged with some impressive, lake-effect snow, and dangerous travel on Friday.
DON’T MISS: Weekend snow could blanket parts of southern Ontario with a fresh 10 cm
Snow squall warnings and winter weather travel advisories are in effect, with the risk for poor visibility and local blowing snow.
"Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the warning.
Risk for 20 cm of snow with Friday's snow squalls
Travel will be very tough north of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) through the day on Friday, with lake-effect and blowing snow impacting roads and major highways.
Conditions began to deteriorate quickly during the morning commute, with a multi-vehicle pile-up reported on Highway 11 in Orillia. Southbound lanes between Coldwater Road and Line 15 were closed due to the collision.
By Friday afternoon, northwest winds will bring squalls to Highway 26 from Owen Sound to Wasaga Beach, with snow also picking up from Midland to Barrie.
Winds slightly shift north by Friday evening, pushing the squalls north near Orillia and Gravenhurst.
Through the overnight, squalls shift back south to Midland, and in between Orillia and Barrie once again.
Between 10-20 cm of snow could accumulate with the squalls, and these totals are before another widespread 5-10 cm hits later Saturday with the arrival of a Colorado low.
WATCH: Major collision reported on HWY 11, snow squalls create dangerous conditions
"Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common," says ECCC in the warning. "Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations."
Heavy amounts of lake-effect snow have already buried several Ontario communities this season, with the open lakes and the frigid cold creating a near-constant snow machine since November.
PHOTOS: Winter hasn't been so kind to Ontario's snowbelt regions so far
All eyes on a weekend snowmaker across southern Ontario
Forecasters are also watching a Colorado low approach the Great Lakes region from the southwest this weekend. Moisture streaming in from the south, along with frigid air locked in place over southern Ontario, will allow snow to spread over the region beginning Saturday evening.
Around the GTA and Niagara Peninsula, between 5-10 cm of snow is likely from this system. Ottawa looks to be spared by this system, with less than 5 cm of snow on the way for the National Capital Region.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on your forecast across Ontario.