Strong winds have prompted Environment Canada to issue a special weather statement for the Barrie, Midland, and Orillia areas Wednesday.
The special weather statement includes Barrie, Collingwood, Hillsdale, Midland, Coldwater, Orr Lake, Orillia Lagoon City, and Washago.
The national weather agency says the strong winds should last into Wednesday night. Westerly winds are expected to gust between 70 to 80 km/h in the wake of a strong cold front.
Periods of rain and snow are also expected in some areas.
The weather agency said the strongest winds are expected near the eastern shores of the Great Lakes, where wind gusts up to 90 km/h may occur.
Winds are expected to ease from west to east later Wednesday night.
A weather watch is also in effect for Midland, Orillia, Coldwater, Orr Lake, Lagoon City, and Washago due to heavy snow.
Heavy flurries and local snow squalls are expected Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
The weather agency said people could expect locally heavy snowfall of 10 cm to 15 cm.
Environment Canada warns blowing snow may reduce visibilities to near zero.
Environment Canada warns strong winds may toss loose objects and cause tree branches to break, and Isolated utility outages may occur.