Snow squalls to wreak havoc on driving conditions

Dash camera footage shows blowing snow along Highway 400 in Barrie and a collision that resulted in a significant traffic backup in the southbound lanes.

Simcoe County and surrounding areas are right in the thick of a snow squall warning that stretches across most of southern and central Ontario on Wednesday.

Howling winds are expected to rage across the terrain, gusting to 70 kilometres per hour for the better part of the day and into the evening.

Environment Canada issued snow squall warnings for Barrie, Collingwood, Hillsdale, the Bruce Peninsula, Bluewater, Southern Grey County, Innisfil, New Tecumseth, Angus, Midland, Coldwater, Orr Lake, Mount Forest, Arthur, Orangeville, Grand Valley, Orillia, Lagoon City, Washago, Owen Sound and the Blue Mountains.

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Temperatures are expected to plummet as the day goes on with -9C in the morning to -19C by afternoon. Wednesday night’s temperatures won’t be much better at a low of -15C with a wind chill near -21C.

The national weather agency says bursts of heavy flurries up to 25 centimetres and a cold front are responsible for the winds, which will reduce visibility due to blowing snow.

Winds will weaken this evening, however, Environment Canada says.

“Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.”

A little farther south, Caledon, Newmarket and Georgina can expect high winds and slightly less snow at only five to 10 centimetres.