The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is gearing up for challenging travel conditions as Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory. Heavy snowfall overnight on December 19, 2024, is expected to significantly impact the Friday morning commute, with accumulations of five to ten centimeters anticipated.
According to Environment Canada, the predicted snowfall could create hazardous conditions for motorists across the GTA, which includes Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and surrounding areas. The advisory noted the incoming snow is linked to lake-effect snow off Lake Ontario, combined with a low-pressure system sweeping through the area.
“Poor visibilities, especially for areas near Lake Ontario, could affect the morning commute,” wrote Environment Canada, underscoring the need for drivers to approach travel with caution. The agency advised motorists to adjust their travel plans as needed, as the conditions could lead to significant delays during rush hour.
The forecast suggests snow may begin to taper off to light flurries late Friday morning or early afternoon, but not before the region experiences slippery roads due to the brisk accumulations. Bill Coulter, meteorologist with CP24, warned, “Those flurries are sort of the floodgates of a system in which cold, cold air will come in for the weekend.”
On Friday, temperatures are expected to linger around -2°C, but with wind chill making it feel closer to -9°C. This drop continues throughout the weekend, with overnight lows plunging to -10°C, possibly feeling like -17°C with wind chill. Such cold could pose risks of hypothermia and frostbite, especially for anyone caught unprepared outdoors during this harsh weather.
To aid residents facing the extreme temperatures forecast, the City of Toronto has opened four warming centres, providing refuge for those vulnerable to the cold. The warming centres are located at 135 Spadina Road, 75 Elizabeth Street, 12 Holmes Avenue, and 885 Scarborough Golf Club Road. These facilities are activated whenever the weather turns severe, ensuring those who need shelter have access to warmth.
The approach of winter storm conditions has also prompted advisories for commuters planning to drive through the affected areas. Environment Canada cautioned drivers to expect hazardous conditions, advising them to be especially vigilant for poor visibility due to blowing and drifting snow.
Toronto Pearson International Airport is also preparing for the snowfall, which may cause disruptions. The airport officials stated they were ready for the snow and maintained operational readiness to deal with any conditions arising from the winter weather. Other regions beyond the GTA, such as Hamilton, Halton Hills, Burlington, and St. Catharines could see substantial snowfalls as well, affecting travel across southern Ontario.
City crews are on standby, ready to address the effects of the incoming snow. Salt brine has already been applied to prevent ice formation on key roadways, and plowing operations will trigger when snow accumulation reaches prescribed levels across different surfaces.
With road conditions expected to deteriorate, the transportation authority, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), is implementing its winter plan, which includes anti-icing measures on transit routes to keep services running smoothly. The TTC stated they are prepared to adjust and monitor the service closely as the weather develops.
Beyond the immediate concern of heavy snowfall and dangerously cold weather, longer-range forecasts indicate continuing shifts. Following this cold snap, the patterns suggest potential milder temperatures leading up to the holiday season, albeit sporadic snowfall opportunities as winter settles its grip over Toronto.
Overall, residents and commuters need to stay informed and prepared for the winter weather conditions as they approach, balancing the necessary caution with the challenges of maneuvering through the snow-covered streets of the Greater Toronto Area.
