Intense snowfall to hamper parts of Ontario as lake effect storm begins [Video]

It feels like winter in Ontario as snow blankets several parts of the province, with the snowy weather expected to last throughout the weekend.

Environment Canada reports that local snow accumulations could exceed 75 centimetres by Sunday afternoon in some areas.

Global News meteorologist Anthony Farnell says heavy snow will continue across the Georgian Bay and Lake Huron snowbelt region through the weekend and even into next week.

He says snowfall amounts in Bracebridge have already surpassed 40 cm, with widespread 15 to 40 cm across the region from Parry Sound and Haliburton all the way to the Bruce Peninsula.

“Another 40-70 cm is likely for the hardest-hit communities from Severn to Huntsville along with near zero visibility and blowing snow. Lightning and thunder are also likely in the more intense snow Friday night and Saturday with snowfall rates of five to eight cm falling every hour,” Farnell says.

Hazardous lake effect snow squalls are expected to impact southwestern …