A mid-week winter storm is on the horizon for southern Ontario, with meteorological reports indicating heavy snowfall and potentially hazardous conditions, particularly for the Toronto area. Environment Canada has put out special weather statements warning the public about the storm's expected arrival on Wednesday night, bringing with it significant snowfall and the possibility of freezing rain.
This latest weather system is poised to lay down more than 15 centimeters of snow, which is notable following last weekend's considerable snowfall when Toronto received its biggest storm of the season with around 13 centimeters downtown and 15 centimeters at Pearson International Airport. The storm had already caused travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and bus route suspensions.
Environment Canada has noted, "Confidence in the exact track of the low-pressure system is uncertain at this point, but it is likely..." This formulation hints at the unpredictability inherent to such winter storms. While the storm is predicted to start as snow late Wednesday, there is concern it may shift to freezing rain or rain by Thursday morning. Motorists have been cautioned to rethink any non-essential travel plans, as the storm will likely create hazardous roads and visibility issues.
The agency warns, "Motorists are urged to postpone non-essential travel until conditions improve." Such advisories are commonplace during winter storms when conditions can rapidly deteriorate. Notably, snowfall accumulation is expected to increase overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, with some areas possibly receiving near 25 centimeters as the storm progresses.
Specific forecasts suggest the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) could experience differing snowfall amounts, with Toronto projected to see between 10 to 15 centimeters and regions north of Lake Ontario possibly receiving upwards of 20 centimeters. The Weather Network reiterated the severity of the situation, warning of significant slowdowns and hazardous conditions on highways across southern Ontario.
Transportation authorities have also indicated there could be localized lake-effect snow impacting parts of Lake Ontario, intensifying snowfall totals as the storm moves southward toward Lake Erie.
The weather forecast for the week indicates Wednesday will be overcast, with temperatures around -3 °C. By Thursday, the high could shift to warm conditions around 1 °C, but as precipitation increases, it might feel considerably colder due to wind chill and the transition toward rain or freezing rain.
Residents are encouraged to prepare accordingly, ensuring they have adequate provisions and are vigilant about travel conditions. They'll need to exercise caution when venturing out, particularly on Thursday morning when winds are expected to reach up to 60 km/h. This can compound snow impacts, creating not only challenging driving conditions but also raising the risk of power outages.
Already, preparations are underway from local governments and travel agencies to address the effects of the incoming storm. The city has taken measures, such as repeated salting of roads and preparation of warming centers for individuals needing respite from the cold.
It's clear: winter isn't over yet, and as Ontarians gear up to shovel out once more, the reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter storms serves to keep the community informed and safe through the upcoming snowy days.