Environment Canada says a new weather warning could quickly drop as much as five centimetres of heavy snow, making travel difficult across the GTA. TORONTO STAR
A special weather statement warned residents of Toronto to prepare for worsening conditions as freezing rain shifted into heavy snowfall Tuesday evening. The alert came as slippery roads and poor visibility already caused travel trouble across the region.
Environment Canada said snow could fall at a rate of two to five centimetres per hour. The agency warned that reduced visibility and rapidly changing conditions would make driving and walking difficult through the evening.
Dangerous travel conditions across the GTA
The weather agency cautioned that snow-covered roads and icy sidewalks would remain hard to navigate. Officials urged drivers to slow down, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and turn on headlights at all times.
A yellow alert for freezing rain also stayed in place across much of southern Ontario. The freezing rain began earlier in the day and affected the afternoon commute across the Greater Toronto Area. Weather officials expected between one and five millimetres of ice buildup, sometimes mixed with snow or ice pellets.
Low-pressure system drives weather change
Environment Canada said a low-pressure system moving through southern Ontario caused the shift from freezing rain to snow. Temperatures hovered around 2 C during the day and dropped to about 1 C in the evening. Winds reached roughly 20 kilometres per hour, adding to the discomfort.
Officials also warned that slippery surfaces increased the risk of injuries. The agency noted that power outages remained possible as ice and snow continued to fall.
Police report spike in collisions
As conditions worsened, Ontario Provincial Police reported 73 vehicle collisions across the GTA within a 24-hour period by Tuesday evening. Officers shared repeated reminders online, urging drivers to stay alert and cautious.
Police advised motorists to reduce speed, leave extra space between vehicles, avoid distractions, and use full lighting systems. They also encouraged people to allow extra travel time or avoid unnecessary trips when possible.
School bus cancellations and delays
The weather also disrupted school transportation across several regions. The Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board warned families about possible bus delays Tuesday afternoon.
In Durham Region, both public and Catholic school boards cancelled all school buses for the day, though schools remained open. Halton Region followed the same approach, cancelling buses while keeping schools open.
Peel Region cancelled buses in Zone 3, while other routes ran with delays. In York Region, all school buses were cancelled for the day, though schools stayed open. Hamilton buses continued operating, but some routes experienced delays.
Milder weather later in the week
Forecasters expect slightly warmer temperatures on Wednesday, with a high of 4 C and a chance of morning flurries. Sunshine and milder air arrive Thursday and Friday, with highs reaching 6 C and 7 C. Rain returns by Friday, while Saturday brings cloudy skies and a strong chance of rain before temperatures cool again overnight.
