Published on Jan. 2, 2026, 2:20 PM
Continuous lake-effect snow will continue to keep parts of southern Ontario digging out well into the new year, with heavy snowfall, hazardous travel and dangerous wind chills expected.
Southern Ontario will begin the new year with even more snow as a multi-day lake-effect event keeps on to bury communities across the region.
Snow depths on Friday morning varied from 15 cm near Ottawa and King City to nearly 60 cm northwest of Barrie and Sault Ste. Marie. Some areas south of Barrie have seen over 50cm of snow, with more to come.
Toronto has already received over 40 cm of snow in December, making it the snowiest December in nine years.
DON’T MISS: Is warming up your car in winter a smart move?
Snow bands still on the move
The lake-effect snow is expected to affect southern Ontario through the weekend. Below-freezing daytime highs and persistent wind chills will cause snow showers and heavy snowfall.
Snowfall amounts will vary greatly depending on where the bands settle. Some areas may receive only a few centimetres, while snow belts and areas north of Barrie could receive an additional 20-50 cm.
Forecasters are keeping an eye on a particularly intense squall that is expected to pass over Collingwood, Barrie, Midland and Orillia. Snowfall of up to 50 cm can reduce visibility and pose a risk to travel. Highways 400 and 11 may remain closed in affected areas.
