Southern Ontario is bracing for significant snowfall as weather warnings spread across the region, prompting residents to prepare for treacherous conditions expected this week. Environment Canada has issued several alerts, including snowfall warnings for Toronto and surrounding regions, as two winter storms approach, with the first set to roll in by late Wednesday afternoon.
The impending storm is predicted to deliver heavy snow accompanied by ice pellets, particularly affecting the evening commute. According to Environment Canada's snowfall warning, residents should expect total accumulations nearing 15 centimeters, with localized peak snowfall rates reaching up to four centimeters per hour.
“This snowfall will impact the Wednesday evening commute. Snow may become mixed with ice pellets late Wednesday evening and overnight for some areas,” the weather agency stated.
Winds are expected to pick up significantly throughout the storm, with gusts reaching up to 70 to 90 km/h, which could exacerbate travel difficulties. The combination of heavy falling snow, blowing wind, and deteriorated visibility raises serious concerns about the safety of drivers on the roads. Environment Canada is urging motorists to reconsider any non-essential travel plans to avoid potential hazards.
The forecast shows daytime temperatures hovering around -3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, with wind chills making it feel significantly colder—around -14 degrees Celsius. By Thursday, temperatures are expected to rise slightly, possibly reaching 1 degree Celsius before plunging again as the storm progresses.
Parts of southern Ontario, particularly north of Lake Ontario, may face even higher accumulations, with predictions of potentially exceeding 20 centimeters, especially if the storm track shifts. “Motorists are urged to postpone non-essential travel until conditions improve,” Environment Canada continued, emphasizing the risks associated with expected severe weather.
Residents are still recovering from the previous weekend’s storm which dumped 13 centimeters of snow downtown and 15 centimeters at Pearson International Airport—the season's most significant snowfall so far. The aftermath saw over 50 bus stops rendered out of service and numerous delays and cancellations at the airport as snow crews worked to clear the roads and overcome the elements.
The city has mobilized to mitigate the impact of these winter storms through salting and plowing services. Warming centers have opened across Toronto to provide shelter for those affected by the harsh conditions.
Looking forward, meteorologists are keeping close tabs on the storm brewing over the weekend, forecast to follow shortly after the midweek snow. A Colorado low is expected to track just south of the area, with snowfall anticipated to hit early Saturday morning, adding even more snow to the already laden ground. While estimates remain uncertain, 10 to 20 centimeters of new snow could blanket the region during this subsequent storm.
Wintry weather patterns appear set to dominate the remainder of February, with temperatures forecast to stay below normal, plunging to minus teens by the time Family Day arrives. “A widespread, heavy swath of snow is forecast north of the low, with 20-40 cm possible for areas through cottage country,” stated The Weather Network, highlighting the potential for severely impacted weekend travel plans.
Monitoring efforts are ramping up, particularly at Pearson airport, where diligent preparations are underway utilizing 161 pieces of state-of-the-art snow clearing and de-icing equipment to keep flights operational. The airport emphasizes its readiness for what they recognize as potentially the biggest snowstorm of the season.
With multiple rounds of snowfall on the horizon, residents are encouraged to stay informed by keeping up-to-date with local weather alerts and checking road conditions before venturing out.
The coming days are set to be a test of resilience for Southern Ontario, as community members prepare for what might be one of the most notable winters the area has weathered. With the continuous barrage of winter weather, these storms serve as stark reminders of the season’s ferocity and the precautions necessary to navigate safely through it.