Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning for the Greater Toronto Area on Thursday, with the worst of the weather expected on Friday and Saturday.
The winter mix will be applied during the busy holiday travel period before Christmas.
The Toronto forecast calls for:
- A possible flash freeze Friday morning.
- Five to 15 inches of snow Saturday morning.
- Strong winds, with gusts as high as 90 km/h, developing Friday morning and continuing through Saturday.
- Wind chill values in the 20s that will develop Friday and persist through the weekend.
The federal weather agency is urging people to avoid “non-essential” travel during the storm, saying a possible freeze Friday morning could make roads and sidewalks icy and treacherous.
- If your device’s power or data is low, get storm updates on CBC Lite. It’s our low-bandwidth text-only website.
Environment Canada says the snow will begin Friday morning and taper off in flurries Saturday morning.
Toronto can expect rain or snow early Thursday evening, which will continue as rain in many areas Thursday night. The “rapid drop in temperatures” could lead to a flash freeze and could come with strong winds, heavy snow and “widespread blowing snow,” the weather agency says.
“Visibility will suddenly drop to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch your taillights and be prepared to stop.”
The city prepares for salt roads
The City of Toronto, meanwhile, says it is sending crews and equipment to high-priority areas so they can respond when needed.
A snowmobile makes its way down Front Street during wet snowfall on Dec. 15, 2022. (Michael Wilson/CBC)
Salting will begin as soon as the snow begins to stick to the ground. Plowing will begin when the snow reaches:
- Two centimeters on sidewalks and separate bike lanes.
- 2.5 centimeters on motorways.
- Five centimeters on main roads, thoroughfares and streets with hills.
- Eight centimeters on residential streets.
The city says it will also open three warming centers Thursday night for the homeless:
- The Scarborough Civic Center, 150 Borough Dr., will open at 7 p.m
- Metro Hall, 55 John St., will open at 7 p.m
- Mitchell Field Community Centre, 89 Church Ave., will open at 8 p.m
According to the city, forestry crews are preparing to respond if strong winds snap branches or bring down trees. Public safety or property hazards and roads that need to be cleared will be the priority. Residents can report fallen branches and trees to 311.
Toronto Water crews are also on standby to repair water main breaks and provide assistance if local areas flood.
The City Council advises residents to avoid travel until conditions improve. If travel is essential on Friday morning, expect poor visibility and icy, slippery conditions. Drivers should slow down, keep a safe distance, watch for pedestrians and cyclists and be alert.
All residents are also asked to keep a safe distance from snow removal crews and crews to let them do their job.
Dovercourt Junior Public School emerges from the snow on December 1, 2020. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)
Several boards to close schools
Several school boards in the Greater Toronto Area say they will close their schools on Friday due to the impending winter storm.
Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, Peel District School Board, York District School Board, York Catholic District School Board and Durham District School Board say that they will close their schools because of the weather.
The TDSB said in a statement that it made the decision with the TCDSB to close schools, administrative buildings and sites to students and staff.
Other school boards will close their schools on Friday, not because of the weather, but because the closings were scheduled on their calendars. These boards include the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and the Halton District School Board.
The TDSB said child care centers and before- and after-school programs located at its schools will also be closed and all daytime permits will be canceled.
All face-to-face after-school and evening continuing education courses are also canceled on Friday. These courses include elementary international languages and African heritage, Learn4Life community programs, and ESL for adults.
A TTC bus is stuck in the snow near Doncaster Avenue and Main Street on January 1, 2019. (Nigel Hunt/CBC)
TTC implements severe weather plan
The TTC, meanwhile, says it is adopting its severe weather plan to ensure it can continue to provide essential transit service.
The transit agency says it is doing the following:
- Additional staff and vehicles are available if needed.
- Line 3 Scarborough SRT will be in service Friday morning with parallel bus service. If necessary, the line will be closed and replaced by buses.
- 41 bus stops will be out of service overnight in areas with difficult traffic for buses in snow and ice. The full list can be found here.
- Anti-icing and snow clearing protocols will be put in place on all bus, tram and subway divisions.
- Metro trains will be stored in tunnels along the main lines to avoid problems with exiting the yards.
- The overhead tram network and vehicles have been treated with an anti-icing application. If any problems arise on the 512 St Clair, replacement buses will be available.
- Tow trucks from private contractors are ready to assist any trapped vehicles and the TTC’s fleet of snow removal equipment will be used if needed.
- The TTC will stay in regular communication with the city to ensure crews are aware of issues on transit routes.
How should you prepare?
Residents are asked to make an emergency plan and prepare a kit with drinking water, food, medicine, first aid supplies and a flashlight, according to the federal weather agency.
Environment Canada says residents should continue to check local forecasts.