Snow squalls are expected continue in the Barrie, Collingwood and Hillsdale areas, while a winter weather travel advisory is now in effect for Midland, Orillia, Coldwater, Orr Lake, Lagoon City and Washago, according to Environment Canada.
The squalls in Barrie, Collingwood and Hillsdale are predicted to last into Saturday morning.
Currently, the strongest snow squall has moved out of the region, while off-lake flurries will continue Friday afternoon.
Squalls from Georgian Bay will move into the areas this evening, with an additional 10 to 15 centimetres of snow possible for areas along the bay by Friday night.
“Travel will be hazardous at times, and motorists are advised to change their travel plans accordingly,” Environment Canada says. “Local whiteout conditions may occur.”
In Midland, Coldwater, Orr Lake, Orillia, Lagoon City and Washago, intense snow squalls have weakened, but off-lake flurries will continue to affect the area into Saturday morning. According to Environment Canada, travel may be hazardous at times, with reduced visibility due to local, blowing snow.
Many businesses in the region are closed on Friday due to the weather.
Both Barrie Public Library locations are closed. The city’s recreation centres’ registered and drop-in program are cancelled until noon Friday. Fitness centres are also closed, but facilities remain open.
Simcoe County’s services are also altered due to weather. Friday’s waste collection crews have been pulled for all areas, with the exception of collections on open roads in Adjala-Tosorontio.
The Simcoe County landfill and transfer sites are also closed. LINX Transit routes are operating but are behind schedule.
The county’s administration centre is closed, as is its museum, archives offices and many OW offices, including Midland, Collingwood, Alliston and Bradford. Barrie and Orillia’s OW offices remain open with reduced staffing levels.
Springwater’s administration centre is closed.
All Georgian College campuses are closed, and classes have been cancelled.
All classes and exams at Lakehead University’s Orillia campuses are also cancelled for Friday. All the campus services and offices will remain open.
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions offices in Barrie, Collingwood, Midland and Orillia are closed for Friday.
On Thursday, Springwater declared a “significant weather event” due to blowing snow and reduced visibility. The declaration was made in relation to Ontario’s Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways.
Environment Canada says if visibility is reduced while driving to slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop. Public Safety Canada is encouraging people to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.
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