A major winter storm is set to impact large parts of Canada, particularly southern Ontario and Quebec, bringing with it heavy snowfall and severe weather warnings. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), multiple regions are preparing for challenging weather conditions as the storm moves in from the United States, with snowfall amounts potentially reaching between 15 to 40 centimeters.
The storm is expected to begin late Wednesday afternoon and last through Thursday morning, threatening significant disruptions to travel. Major urban areas such as Toronto and Montreal are under various weather warnings, with forecasts indicating peak snowfall rates of up to 5 centimeters per hour during the height of the storm.
"Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorated travel conditions," ECCC advised, as conditions are predicted to worsen throughout Wednesday evening, making the evening commute particularly treacherous. The mixed precipitation, including freezing rain and ice pellets, poses additional hazards for both drivers and pedestrians.
Toronto is bracing for around 15 to 25 centimeters of snow, with heavy snowfall expected to begin late Wednesday afternoon. The city has already declared the situation as a significant weather event, meaning the municipality will be exempt from certain provincial service levels for winter maintenance. Barbara Gray, Toronto's general manager of transportation services, stated, "The significant weather event declaration means the city will be exempt from provincial service levels for winter maintenance," emphasizing the potential for delayed clearing of streets.
Environment Canada has also warned commuters to anticipate hazardous travel conditions. "This snowfall will impact the evening commute," they noted. Residents are encouraged to avoid any non-essential travel during the storm. Geoff Coulson, meteorologist with Environment Canada, remarked, "If you don't need to be out there this evening or first thing on Thursday, [it's] a good idea to be staying at home," pointing out the hazards posed by reduced visibility during heavy snowfall.
Flight cancellations have already started at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where travelers have been advised to check their flight status. "With severe weather expected, we encourage all passengers to check their flight’s status with their airline before heading to the airport," stated airport officials.
Further compounding the storm's challenges, significant snowfall is predicted for parts of Quebec, with Montreal seeing possibly up to 35 centimeters. The storm has made headlines as the largest snowfall event of the season so far, doubling previous winter totals. ECCC warns of blustery winds associated with the low-pressure system, potentially leading to whiteout conditions and transportation delays throughout rush hour traffic.
Education institutions are monitoring the weather closely, as school and bus cancellations may be on the horizon due to the adverse weather conditions. The weather agency advises, "Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays," reinforcing the need for caution among commuters.
Preparations are being made across municipalities, including Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent, which are also under winter weather advisories. Residents are urged to create emergency plans and assemble kits containing essentials such as food, water, and first-aid supplies. Public Safety Canada is reinforcing this message as conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly during the storm.
This winter storm is not expected to be the last of the season. Weather models suggest another system may hit Ontario and Quebec over the Family Day weekend, potentially dumping additional snowfall on already burdened areas. Local officials warn residents to remain alert for updates as winter grips the region.
The incoming storm serves as yet another reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter weather across Canada. For many, the best course of action during such severe conditions is to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the winter continues to showcase its fiercest side.