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, and into Friday morning.
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. The snowy weather also cancelled buses in the Waterloo region early Friday, though schools remained open.
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."
Poor travel conditions and closures are expected to continue heading into the weekend, with another snow system taking aim for Saturday night.
See below for posts made to social media showcasing the widespread impacts of this event.
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Thumbnail image courtesy: Cheryl MacDonald Coffey - Elmira, Ont.