Those living in the northern portions of the Greater Toronto Area could be in for a taste of winter weather beginning Thursday.

Environment Canada has issued a snow squall watch for portions of the province, including a swath of regions north of Toronto.

Affected areas include Newmarket, Georgina, northern York and Durham regions, Uxbridge, Barrie, Orillia and Midland.

“Snow squalls are expected to develop late Thursday as a cold front moves through and brisk northwest winds develop over Lake Huron and Georgian Bay,” the weather agency said in a statement issued Wednesday.

“(The) latest indications suggest there is potential for a strong snowsquall with significant accumulation from Georgian Bay into Simcoe County, and another strong accumulating squall from Lake Huron into Huron, Middlesex, and Lambton counties.”

Travel is expected to be hazardous, Environment Canada said, with reduced visibility at times due to heavy snow.

“If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone,” the weather agency advised.