Blowing snow threatens morning commute in Toronto, GTA

Winter weather travel advisories are in effect for Toronto and much of the GTA on Wednesday as Environment Canada warns of a brief burst of heavy snow and local blowing snow for the morning commute.

A few centimetres of snow fell in Toronto on Tuesday night, making the drive home treacherous for motorists and causing headaches for transit users in the city. Due to the inclement weather, the TTC was forced to halt service at more than 50 stops.

While the worst of it is over for Toronto residents, the winter weather travel advisory notes that visibility is expected to be reduced on roads this morning.

“A brief burst of heavy snow is expected as a cold front moves through this morning,” Canada’s weather agency said. “Northwesterly winds gusting to near 70 km/h may result in local blowing and drifting snow. The morning commute will be impacted.”

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery, Environment Canada added.

The winter weather travel advisories span the GTHA and include Mississauga, Brampton, Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill, among other local regions.

Snowbelt regions hit hard by winter storm

Snow squall warnings remain in effect for parts of southern Ontario, including Orangeville, Barrie, Bruce Peninsula and Innisfil. As the cold front moves through today, additional snow squalls are expected, bringing localized heavy snowfall and potential whiteout conditions to these areas.

“Bursts of heavy flurries along a cold front this morning will give way to snow squalls off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay,” Environment Canada said.

On Wednesday, Toronto can expect a mix of sun and clouds, with a daytime high of -2 C. However, it will feel more like -16 this evening.

Another round of light snow could come on Thursday afternoon when a few centimetres could accumulate. Temperatures won’t be as frigid on Friday, with a forecasted daytime high of 1 C and scattered flurries.

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