Thousands are without power in parts of Ontario hit hard by a blast of winter weather delivering gusty winds and heavy snow, with more to come.

A blast of winter weather delivered a “rude awakening” to parts of Ontario, an Environment Canada meteorologist said, as some communities dug out from nearly a metre of snow on Saturday with more to come.

A blast of winter weather delivered a "rude awakening" to parts of Ontario, an Environment Canada meteorologist said, as some communities dug out from nearly a metre of snow on Saturday with more in the forecast.

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.

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.

Environment Canada is warning of snow squalls in parts of Ontario north of the Greater Toronto Area this weekend, with more than 75 centimetres of snow accumulation possible in some areas.