Snowblowers needed in southern Ontario as lake-effect cranks up

We don't get any breathing room across southern Ontario this weekend as hefty bands of lake-effect snow develop in the wake of a disruptive winter storm.

The departing storm knocked out power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses, forced airport delays and cancellations, and even put on a rare display of thundersnow across Windsor, London, Hamilton, and Toronto.

MUST-SEE PHOTOS: Thundersnow, blizzard-like conditions hit Ontario

Frigid winds blowing in behind the storm will allow bands of lake-effect snow to lay down a healthy blanket of powder across the traditional snowbelt regions.

Prepare for travel delays in the affected areas, keeping in mind that conditions can shift from clear skies to a near-whiteout in a hurry around snow squalls.

Arctic air switches on the lake-effect snow

The same Arctic air bringing historically cold temperatures to the western half of North America is flooding into the Great Lakes behind our departing storm.

RELATED: How Pearson Airport navigates tough winter weather

Frigid winds flowing over the unfrozen water will allow ample bands of lake-effect snow to develop off all five of the lakes. Bands that developed on Saturday will intensify into Sunday, continuing for many areas into Monday.

WATCH: More snow targets southern Ontario with lake-effect bands

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The most intense bands are likely east and northeast of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario through Sunday, which is a potential travel hazard for folks near the St. Lawrence—not to mention bad news for Buffalo-bound football fans. Whiteouts and blizzard-like conditions are also possible on the northern shores of Lake Erie beneath this particularly boisterous snow squall.

We’re also watching multiple bands of lake-effect snow develop off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, which will bring steadily accumulating snowfall to the traditional snowbelts through Monday. These bands will affect the Bruce Peninsula and communities like Parry Sound, Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Gravenhurst.

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Gusty winds reaching 60-90 km/h will combine with bursts of heavy snow to create whiteout conditions for many of these areas. Wind gusts of 90-100+ km/h are possible along the shores of Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Georgian Bay.

STAY SAFE: Be aware of your heart while shovelling heavy snow

Clear skies can give way to near-whiteout conditions over very short distances around snow squalls, making travel especially dangerous. Plan ahead for delays and prepare for slow-going on snowy, wind-swept roadways.

Snowfall totals from this multi-day event will vary, but the highest amounts could approach 40 cm in some areas.

Folks across portions of the Niagara Peninsula could see more than 20 cm of snow by Sunday with the intense band expected to develop off Lake Erie.

Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on this high-impact storm across Ontario.

WATCH: Winter storm brings thundersnow to the Greater Toronto Area

Click here to view the video