Severe snow squalls disrupt travel across southern Ontario
Severe snow squalls blew into southern Ontario on Thursday, impacting travel conditions along highways and prompting several school closures.
Challenging travel conditions developed Thursday as lake-effect snow bands expanded beyond the snowbelt regions, reaching parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Localized bursts of snow, combined with strong winds and dropping temperatures, coincided with commutes throughout the day.
These squalls came thanks to a burst of Arctic air clashing with the air over the warm Great Lakes. Howling winds off the lakes allowed for potent lake-effect snow squalls to organize and travel well into the region.
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All schools and buses in North Wellington's section of the Upper Grand District School Board were closed Thursday morning in anticipation of the bad weather, according to CBC News. All other schools in the board remained open, although bus cancellations were more widespread.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued widespread yellow-level snow squall watches and warnings on Thursday, as well as orange-level warnings throughout the heart of the snowbelt.
"Travel will likely be extremely hazardous. Road closures are possible," ECCC advised in their orange-level warning for the Barrie area. "Non-essential travel and outdoor activities should be avoided. Prepare for some disruptions to transportation, services, and utilities."
The dangerous squalls are forecast to persist through Thursday night and into Friday. Poor travel conditions and closures are expected to continue heading into the weekend.
See below for posts made to social media showcasing the widespread impacts of this event.
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