A significant winter storm is currently affecting the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and surrounding regions of southern Ontario. Environment Canada has issued orange alert warnings for multiple communities, forecasting a snowfall accumulation ranging from 20 to 40 centimeters.
Forecast for the Greater Toronto Area
In the GTA, cities such as Toronto, Mississauga, Burlington, and Pickering are expected to experience peak snowfall rates of five to seven centimeters per hour. Accompanying gusty winds of up to 50 km/h will create hazardous conditions, including poor visibility due to blowing snow.
Timing and Impact of the Weather
The winter weather is projected to persist through to Sunday night. A band of lake-effect snow will travel southward from western Northumberland County, impacting areas such as Oakville and Burlington later in the day.
Travel Disruptions
- Flight Delays: At Toronto Pearson International Airport, numerous domestic and international flights have been delayed or canceled. Passengers are advised to verify their flight status directly with their airlines.
- TTC Changes: The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has implemented detours for several bus routes due to adverse weather conditions.
Warnings in Other Regions
Outside the GTA, other communities are also preparing for heavy snowfall. Orange alert warnings have been issued for Hamilton, St. Catharines, and Niagara Falls, where expectations are for 20 to 35 centimeters of snow by Sunday evening, with wind gusts ranging between 40 and 50 km/h.
Yellow Alert Snowfall Warnings
Many regions across Ontario are under yellow alert snowfall warnings. Areas extending as far south as Windsor and as far east as Ottawa are anticipated to see accumulations of 10 to 20 centimeters of snow.
Cold Weather Alerts
While some areas will receive snow, others in western and north-central Ontario are bracing for extreme cold. Orange alert cold warnings are in effect for communities such as Kenora, Sioux Lookout, and Dryden, with wind chills dipping near -45°C. Yellow alert cold warnings are also present in the Timmins region and areas along James Bay, including Attawapiskat, with wind chill values around -40°C.
Safety Precautions
Residents are urged to take necessary precautions if venturing outdoors. It is critical to protect vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Proper shelter is also essential during these extreme weather conditions.
Stay updated with El-Balad for further developments on the evolving winter storm and its impact across southern Ontario.
