Toronto is preparing for what may be its most significant snowfall of the season on a day when communities north of the GTA endured snow squalls that wreaked havoc on the roads.
In a special weather statement, Environment Canada said a low-pressure system is expected to bring widespread snow to southwestern Ontario starting Friday night and the rest of southern Ontario on Saturday.
The latest indications suggest many areas will be blanketed with 15 centimetres of snow by Saturday night.
Snowfall amounts may be higher around the west end of Lake Ontario due to cold easterly winds and extra moisture from the relatively mild lake water, and near the northern shore of Lake Erie, the national weather agency said.
Environment Canada is predicting five to 10 cm for Toronto, which has escaped most of the lake-effect snow storms that have moved through the province this season.
There is still some uncertainty about the exact path of the storm and total snowfall amounts may vary, however.
Still, motorists should be prepared for poor driving conditions, including reduced visibility and slippery or snow-packed roads.
Snow squalls
North of the GTA, some communities received another blast of heavy snow and whiteouts as snow squalls off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay walloped a region through Bruce Peninsula, Orillia and northern Kawartha Lakes.
Environment Canada said the heaviest snow squalls were capable of dumping 15 to 30 cm every 12 hours and it was possible that some areas could see 60 cm or more by noon.
Roads that weren't plowed became impassable and school buses were cancelled in many communities, including Orillia, Midland, Collingwood and Wasaga Beach, due to hazardous driving conditions.
Some parts of the GTA saw flurries Friday morning.
