Thoughts of spring have been banished with Environment Canada issuing a snow squall warning this morning for Newmarket, Georgina and northern York Region.
A sharp cold front brings conditions favourable for a brief frontal snow squall today, followed by lake effect snow squalls later today into Thursday, the weather agency advised.
Heavy snowfall with total accumulations of 15 to 35 centimetres is possible, with peak snowfall rates of three to five centimetres per hour, beginning this morning or afternoon, and ending Thursday afternoon. Significantly reduced visibility in heavy snow and blowing snow could result.
Heavy flurries associated with the cold front combined with northwest winds gusting up to 70 km/h will cause a sudden drop in visibility to near zero. Behind this front, lake effect snow squalls off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay will develop this afternoon or evening and persist into Thursday afternoon, the warning stated.
Strong northwesterly winds and lake effect snow squalls will lead to significantly reduced visibility in blowing snow. Visibility could suddenly be reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.
Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations, the agency advised. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
