The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is bracing for its first significant snowfall of the season, with winter weather conditions expected to arrive on Sunday. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement forecasting between 2 to 10 centimeters of snow, starting from Sunday morning and continuing through the day.
This weather advisory encompasses a wide region, stretching from London to Ottawa. Furthermore, a snowfall warning has been issued for portions of eastern Ontario, where some areas may see accumulations of up to 20 centimeters. CityNews Meteorologist Chris Potter has described this event as "system snow," indicating that it will be widespread and marking the first significant snowfall event for the season.
According to meteorologist Potter, the current trajectory of the weather system suggests that much of southern Ontario will predominantly experience snowfall. The precipitation is expected to begin as rain overnight, transitioning into snow by Sunday morning. After a brief pause, the snowfall is anticipated to resume in the afternoon and persist throughout the evening.
Potter noted, "Keep in mind what falls might not equate to what stays on the ground." Specifically, he indicated that downtown Toronto could accumulate around 2 centimeters of snow, while areas further north may receive between 5 to 10 centimeters. This variation emphasizes the potential for different snowfall amounts across the region.
Motorists are advised by Environment Canada to prepare for challenging driving conditions due to the incoming snowfall. Authorities recommend adjusting travel plans accordingly to ensure safety on the roads. To mitigate the impact of the snow, the City of Toronto has proactively applied salt brine on high-priority roads and bridges ahead of the weather event. Salting trucks have been strategically placed throughout the city for a quicker response once the snow begins to accumulate on the ground.
In response to the harsh weather conditions, city officials have announced the opening of two warming centers to provide shelter due to the forecasted chilly temperatures on Sunday at 5 p.m. These facilities are located at 885 Scarborough Golf Club Road and 81 Elizabeth Street, directly behind City Hall. This initiative aims to ensure the safety and well-being of residents during the cold snap associated with the winter weather system.




