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Extreme cold, snow squall warnings remain in effect this morning

Wind chill values up to minus 40 are expected. Significantly reduced visibilities in heavy snow and blowing snow and local snowfall accumulations of 15 to 25 cm are possible, Environment Canada says
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WEATHER ALERT
ENVIRONMENT CANADA
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Extreme Cold Warning in effect for:

  • Barrie - Collingwood - Hillsdale
  • Midland - Coldwater - Orr Lake
  • Orillia - Lagoon City - Washago

Blast of cold Arctic air reaches southern Ontario.

Hazard:
Wind chill values of minus 35 to minus 40.

Timing:
This morning and again tonight into Saturday morning.

Discussion:
Wind chill values of minus 35 to minus 40 are expected this morning. After moderating during the day today, wind chill values of minus 35 to minus 40 will return again tonight into Saturday morning.

Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.

Dress warmly. Dress

in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant.

Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

If it's too cold for you to stay outside, it's too cold for your pet to stay outside.

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

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Snow squall warning in effect for:

  • Barrie - Collingwood - Hillsdale

Snow squalls are occurring. Under the snow squall bands, visibilities will be significantly reduced due to the heavy snow combined with blowing snow, and snow will quickly accumulate.

Hazards:
Significantly reduced visibilities in heavy snow and blowing snow.
Local snowfall accumulations of 15 to 25 cm.

Timing:
Through this evening.

Discussion:
Snow squalls off Georgian Bay will continue to affect portions of the region through this evening. Heavy snow combined with northwesterly winds gusting 50 to 70 km/h could produce near-zero visibility at times. Conditions are expected to improve this evening as snowfall intensity and winds gradually diminish.

Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common. Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

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