Environment Canada has issued a blizzard warning covering the Barrie, Collingwood, Hillsdale, Midland, Coldwater and Orr Lake areas. Those areas can expect accumulations of between 15 and 20 centimeters by Thursday afternoon, with additional snow arriving on Friday. The National Weather Service has also issued a warning – with 30 to 60 centimeters expected by Sunday for Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Baysville, Port Carling, Port Severn, Parry Sound, Rosseau, Killbear Park, Owen Sound, Blue Mountains and northern Gray County . Blizzard warnings are issued when snow bands form that produce heavy accumulated snow or near zero visibility. Environment Canada says snow showers cause significant fluctuations in weather conditions. Changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometers are common. The agency advises motorists to prepare for rapidly changing and deteriorating travel conditions, with reduced to zero visibility possible. For the Barrie area, Lake Georgia snowfall will continue into Thursday afternoon. As northwesterly winds turn westerly, there may be a lull in the intensity of the lake-driven snow. Snowfall is expected to intensify again Thursday afternoon and may continue into Friday and into the weekend. For Parry Sound and the Muskoka region, rain and snow accumulations are expected to continue through the weekend.
