Freezing rain warnings are in effect for a large area east of Toronto as residents of southern and eastern Ontario brace for a blast of wintry weather.

Environment Canada issued the warnings because several hours of freezing rain are possible Thursday due to a cold front moving into the region from the U.S.

Snow flurries have been reported in northern sections of Toronto and north of the city.

Motorists are being urged to drive with caution because untreated roads may be icy and slippery. People should give themselves extra time to reach their destination.

York Regional Police warned drivers to slow down because ice and snow is accumulating on roads, while Ontario Provincial Police reported snow and poor visiblity on Highway 404, north of Highway 7.

An area of freezing rain has developed in an area extending from the Kawarthas and Peterborough to Cornwall, the national weather agency said.

Freezing rain should change over to rain by this afternoon near the north shore of Lake Ontario and southern Georgian Bay as the temperature slowly rises above the zero mark. A high of 5 C is expected in Toronto.

Snow, colder temps on the way

Rain and freezing rain mark the beginning of a few days of unsettled weather that will usher in seasonable temperatures that will definitely make it feel like winter.

After several days of mild weather, chilly temperatures and snow are on the way.

Overnight in Toronto, the rain will turn into periods of light snow as the temperature falls to -3 C. With a high of zero, Toronto will be hit with periods of snow Friday, and the Greater Toronto Area could see a total of up to 10 centimetres, Environment Canada said.

The heaviest snowfall, up to 15 centimetres, is expected northeast of Georgian Bay. Snow squalls are possible in the snowbelt regions to the southeast of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, Environment Canada said in a special weather statement.

Because of snow and strong winds that will limit visibility, motorists may encounter a hazardous commute Friday morning.

People who venture outdoors this weekend should bundle up because the temperature is going to drop off.

For Toronto, Environment Canada is calling for a high of -8 C and flurries Saturday, followed by a high of -7 C and low of -14 C on Sunday.