Extreme cold, snow squalls on the way for Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood

An extreme cold warning is in effect for the Barrie, Orillia, Midland and Collingwood areas.

Environment Canada issued the warning, saying a frigid arctic air mass moved into southern Ontario Tuesday night resulting in a prolonged period of very cold wind chills in the region.

The weather agency predicts bitterly cold arctic air, combined with strong westerly winds, will result in wind-chill values near -35 C.

Officials are warning that frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with the wind chill.

According to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), while decreasing temperatures put everyone at risk of cold-related illness or injury, health risks are the greatest for homeless people, outdoor workers, sports enthusiasts, older adults, infants and children and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart or lung disease.

Health officials say residents should avoid exposure to the cold by covering exposed skin with a hat, gloves and a scarf, and should take regular breaks from the cold in warm locations whenever possible.

Environment Canada is also reminding residents that if it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.

The weather agency says conditions should improve on Friday as milder air moves into the region.

Environment Canada has also issued a snow squall warning for the Midland and Orillia areas.

The agency says the most intense squall is coming on shore near Midland to Honey Harbour, and extends inland towards Orillia and Gravenhurst.

Environment Canada says an additional 15 centimetres of snow is possible.

Officials are warning that intense, accumulating snow can cause visibility to be reduced, making travel hazardous.

“If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop,” the warning reads. “Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.”

In Barrie and Collingwood a snow squall watch is in effect.

Environment Canada says snow squalls may shift south Thursday evening, affecting Elmvale to Horseshoe Valley.

Officials say additional snowfall amounts near ten centimetres with blowing snow are possible.

The weather has also caused all school buses in Simcoe County to be cancelled.

Georgian College has closed its campuses in Owen Sound and Orillia as a result of the weather.

The college says the campuses in Collingwood and Midland will be closed as of 1 p.m.

Lakehead University has also cancelled all remaining classes and exams at the campus in Orillia on Thursday.