Hold on tight, Toronto! You might be about to experience the biggest snowfall of the entire year, and it's starting tonight! Environment Canada has issued a yellow snowfall warning for the city, predicting significant snow accumulation that could make your Wednesday night and Thursday morning a real winter wonderland – or a commuting nightmare. But here's where it gets controversial... some are saying this might be an overreaction, while others are stocking up on shovels and hot chocolate. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
According to the weather advisory, we can expect between 10 and 20 centimetres of snow to fall, which will likely lead to reduced visibility and blowing snow conditions. This means driving will be tricky, and even walking could be a challenge. So, if you don't absolutely have to go out, maybe consider staying in and enjoying a snow day!
And it's not just the snow you need to worry about. Environment Canada is also warning about a sharp temperature drop, with "cold wind chills" expected by Thursday morning. Brace yourselves, because the temperature could plummet to -9°C, but feel like a bone-chilling -22°C with the wind chill on Thursday morning. Even in the afternoon, it's expected to feel like -16°C. That's parka weather, folks!
This snowfall warning isn't just for Toronto, either. Cities in the Durham, York, Peel, Halton, Hamilton, and Niagara regions are also under the same warning. So, if you live in any of those areas, prepare for similar conditions.
CTV News Toronto weather anchor Lyndsay Morrison warns that "Thursday’s morning commute is likely to be impacted by snow." She anticipates 5 to 15 centimetres of snow overnight and through Thursday morning for much of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and along the 401 corridor. But and this is the part most people miss... some areas, like Niagara and Prince Edward County, could even see up to 20 centimetres! That's a lot of snow to shovel.
If the forecast holds true and we get that 10 to 20 centimetres of snow, it would be the snowiest day Toronto has seen all winter. So far, the most snow recorded in a single day at Toronto Pearson International Airport this season was 12 centimetres on December 26th. This could be a record-breaker!
But what's being done to prepare? The City of Toronto says it's taking action. Salters will be pre-treating TTC bus routes and stops located on hills this afternoon to help prevent ice from forming. Salting on all other roads, bikeways, and sidewalks will begin as soon as the snow starts sticking.
Plowing and snow clearing will commence once there's a certain level of accumulation: 2 centimetres on sidewalks and bike lanes, 2.5 centimetres on expressways, 5 centimetres on major roads, and 8 centimetres on residential streets. So, depending on where you live, you might have to wait a bit for the plows to arrive.
The TTC has also activated its winter weather plan. They've deployed extra employees and maintenance vehicles to spread salt, clear snow, and keep signals, switches, and overhead power lines operational. They'll also be running anti-icing trains to keep the power rail and tracks clear, and spraying anti-icing solution on the streetcar overhead network and at all bus, streetcar, and subway divisions. It's all hands on deck to keep the city moving!
Now, for parents and students: various schools in the GTA will be making decisions about school closures and bus cancellations by 6 a.m. on Thursday morning. Keep an eye on CP24 Breakfast and CP24.com for the latest updates. Remember to check your school board's website and social media for the most up-to-date information.
So, are you ready for the snow? Are you excited for a snow day, or dreading the commute? Do you think the city is doing enough to prepare? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
