Parts of Ontario now expected to be slammed with up to 60 cm of snow

Ontario is bracing for messy road closures, strong winds, and icy temperatures this week as a winterlike storm sweeps over the province and promises to bring up to 60 centimetres of snow in some areas. 

According to a The Weather Network, intense lake-effect snow squalls are set to hit the GTA and southern Ontario on Thursday afternoon. Although precipitation totals in the Toronto area are expected to remain low, "localized busts," coupled with heavy winds and chilly temperatures, will coincide with your afternoon commute home. 

"Visibility could shift rapidly from clear to poor over short distances. Untreated roads may become icy and snow-covered, especially west and northwest of the GTA," the weather agency warns. 

In snowball regions, complete whitouts are expected, and precipitation in the hardest-hit areas could reach anywhere from 25 to over 50 centimetres on Thursday night into Friday. 

"Residents should stock up on essential supplies, such as food, water, medications, and batteries, and ensure their heating systems are working properly as soon as possible before the snow starts," the report notes. 

The weather agency warns that quick changes to visibility and immediate transitions from normal conditions to near whiteouts are likely, especially on parts of 400-series highways. Along with the snow, wind gusts are expected to remain high on Thursday, between 40 to 60 km/h, and even reaching 80 km/h along lakeshores. 

On Saturday, snowfall totals could reach up to 50 centimetres of snow in some areas, such as Listowel, Mitchell, and Huron County, which is expected to see up to 60 centimetres. 

Thursday's report includes a larger snow total projection than a forecast earlier this week, which predicted that the heaviest-hit areas would see snowfall between 20 to 30 centimetres. 

Challenging conditions are expected to continue through the weekend, as another system will be impacting southern and eastern Ontario from late Saturday into Sunday, bringing lots of wet snow. 

Totals between 5 and 15 centimetres are expected between Windsor and Ottawa. The Weather Network notes that most areas along this corridor will receive similar levels of snowfall. However, southern regions, including the GTA, could see just five to 10 centimetres if the wet snow transitions to light rain. 

In preparation for the storm, Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Toronto, warning of reduced visibility in snow and local blowing snow. 

"Snowfall accumulations are not expected to be significant, but visibility may be reduced in brief bursts of heavier snow and local blowing snow. Hazardous travel conditions are possible as a result," the statement reads, adding that while westerly winds of up to 70 km/h will somewhat diminish Thursday morning, breezy conditions will persist through Friday. 

If you've been thinking that the weather has been uncharacteristic of a typical November in Toronto, you'd be right — Pearson Airport needs just 10.6 centimetres more snow to mark the snowiest November in 23 years.