Blowing snow advisory issued for parts of the GTA

A blowing snow advisory has been issued for much of the GTA, and it is expected to last into the evening.

Regions affected by the advisory include: Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Caledon, Halton Hills, Milton and Hamilton.

The city of Toronto is so far unaffected by the advisory.

Environment Canada warns that flurries and brisk westerly winds could produce low visibility through the affected regions.

Drivers are advised to give themselves extra time to reach their destination, and poor driving conditions could persist into the night.

Weather advisories are issues when winds create blowing snow that gives visibility of 800 metres or less for at least three hours.

Other parts of the province have also been affected. A complete list can be found on Environment Canada’s website, but snow squalls could extend into some parts of the western regions on the Niagara Escarpment tonight.

Snow squall watches are currently in effect for Huron and Perth counties, along with some other communities along Lake Huron.

The weather from the first cold snap of the year has already taken a toll on driving, with parts of the 400 closing for around an hour Thursday, and a water-main break that left maintenance crews at U of T scrambling early in the morning.