Blizzard warning replaces winter storm warning for:
Midland – Coldwater – Orr Lake,
Orillia – Lagoon City – Washago,
Town of Parry Sound – Rosseau – Killbear Park,
Port Carling – Port Severn,
Bracebridge – Gravenhurst,
Current details:
Crippling blizzard conditions this evening into Saturday.
Travel will be extremely difficult to impossible at times and is not advised.
Hazards:
Blizzard conditions with wind gusts up to 90 km/h. Utility outages are possible.
Snowfall amounts of 25 to 50 cm by Saturday night. Locally higher amounts are possible in the most persistent snow bands.
Wind chill values near minus 20.
Timing:
Strong winds and blizzard conditions developing this evening and continuing through Saturday.
Very cold wind chill values are expected to develop this morning and persist into the weekend.
Discussion:
Blizzard conditions develop this evening as a result of very strong winds and lake effect snow off Georgian Bay. Given the localized nature of lake effect snow, accumulations will vary depending on location. Remember, it does not take much accumulation in combination with very strong winds for blizzard conditions to develop.
Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.
Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle. Anyone who is not dressed warmly is at risk of frostbite and hypothermia in cold weather. Ensure that shelter is provided for pets and outdoor animals. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. For information on emergency plans and kits go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.