Heavy weekend snow possible for Simcoe County, likely for Muskoka

A dozen snowplows clear Highway 400 Wed., Dec. 10, 2025. CTV NEWS/BARRIE

The heavy early dose of winter is expected to continue this weekend as snow squall watches and warnings remain in effect throughout Simcoe Muskoka.

Simcoe County

According to Environment Canada, most of Simcoe County is under a ‘Yellow’ snow squall watch, encompassing areas between Barrie, Orillia, Midland and Collingwood.

The weather agency says lake effect snow off Georgian Bay could bring snow squalls and accumulations between 10 to 15 centimetres from Saturday night until Sunday morning.

Travel is expected to be hazardous, with visibility possibly reducing to zero at times.

Muskoka

An ‘Orange’ warning for snow squalls is in effect for most of Muskoka, spanning areas between Port Severn, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville and Parry Sound.

Environment Canada says a very intense snow band will become stationary, resulting in accumulations of 20 to 45 centimetres and peak snowfall rates of 5 to 10 centimetres per hour through Saturday night.

The weather agency says travel will likely be ‘extremely hazardous,’ with road closures ‘possible’ and utility outages ‘likely.’

The weather agency says all essential travel and outdoor activities should be avoided.

Dufferin-Grey-Bruce

Most areas in the counties of Dufferin, Grey and Bruce are under a ‘Yellow’ warning for snow squalls, with forecasted accumulations between 20 to 40 centimetres through Sunday.

Environment Canada says lake effect snow squalls will also be developing off Lake Huron, shifting south as winds become northerly.

The weather agency says travel will ‘likely’ be hazardous and visibility could reduce to near zero at times.

Haliburton

Much of Haliburton County is also under a ‘Yellow’ warning for snow squalls from the same lake effect snow band off Georgian Bay. Accumulations of 10 to 20 centimetres are possible through Saturday night.

Colour-coded alert system

The range of watches and warnings across the region highlights Environment Canada’s new colour-coded alert system, introduced this year to help the public better understand the severity of approaching weather.

• Yellow signals a moderate impact level, meaning conditions may disrupt travel or daily routines.
• Orange indicates a high-impact event with a greater risk to safety and infrastructure.
• Red is reserved for the most dangerous weather, where significant and widespread impacts are expected.

The weekend alerts come on the heels of multiple winter storm days this week, which brought heavy snow, whiteouts and widespread bus cancellations.

With files from CTV’s Kim Phillips.