Lake effect snow squalls are expected to impact parts of Ontario throughout the weekend with peak snowfall rates of 2 to 4 in per hour, according to Environment Canada.

The weather agency has issued snow squall warnings for much of cottage country, including Bracebridge, Haliburton, Owen Sound, Huntsville and Parry Sound.

Heavy snow, poor travel conditions and power outages are expected in the Barrie area starting Friday evening and continuing at least through the weekend, Environment Canada says. Weather warnings have also been issued for other parts of central Ontario.