Special weather statement issued with heavy snow, freezing rain possible

Snow conditions on Highway 90 in Essa Twp., On., on Fri., March 13, 2026. (CTV News/Mike Lang)

Spring might officially be here, but late-winter weather continues to be a story as Simcoe Muskoka and much of Ontario could see more severe conditions.

With an Alberta Clipper moving through the province, Environment Canada issued a widespread special weather statement calling for snow up north and out east and possible freezing rain in the south.

Freezing Rain

According to the weather agency, Simcoe County is among the areas that could see freezing rain, which could include up to two millimetres of ice buildup on some surfaces.

Other areas that could see freezing rain span from the southeastern shores of Georgian Bay to Kingston, and from north Simcoe County to the northern outskirts of the Greater Toronto Area.

“Precipitation will likely begin as a brief period of snow (Saturday) evening. The potential for freezing rain will develop later (Saturday) evening before coming to an end Sunday morning,” said Environment Canada in its advisory. “Untreated roads may become icy and slippery. Motorists should allow extra time to get to their destination.”

Snow

North of Orillia and Midland, Muskoka and the northeastern shores of Georgian Bay could get hit with five to 12 centimetres of snow, leading to reduced visibility and difficult travel conditions.

Environment Canada says there is also a risk of freezing rain for those areas.

“Snow will begin for areas east of Georgian Bay late (Saturday) afternoon before reaching eastern Ontario later this evening,” said the weather agency. “The snow may become mixed with freezing rain or freezing drizzle (Saturday night) before coming to an end Sunday morning.”

The special weather statement for snow encompasses northwestern, northern and eastern Ontario, as well as some of the Montreal area.