GTA Under Snowfall Warning, Expecting 15 Centimetres

A person walks through blowing snow during a snowstorm in Toronto on Dec. 23, 2022. Arlyn McAdorey/The Canadian Press

Toronto is expected to receive up to 15 centimetres of snow over the next two days.

A snowfall warning has been issued for the city and surrounding areas, including Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, and Oakville, Environment Canada said.

Snow began to fall Friday afternoon and wind gusts are expected to reach 20 to 40 kilometres, becoming light near midnight, according to Environment Canada. Temperatures overnight Friday will reach minus 5, but with the wind chill it will feel like minus 9.

The government says the snow could reduce visibility, and the TTC announced that it would be suspending service at 3 p.m. to 56 bus stops.

“Service at 56 bus stops in areas prone to weather-related disruptions will be temporarily suspended to safeguard customers and maintain operational efficiency,” a March 22 TTC news release said.

It also said that extra staff have been brought on to ensure travellers make it home safely.

“Extra TTC employees and maintenance vehicles have been deployed throughout the system spreading salt and clearing surfaces of snow, keeping signals, switches, and overhead power operating, and attending to any weather-related challenges,” the release said.

“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow,” Environment Canada said.

“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance.”

Snow plows were sent out to clear the roads around 1 p.m. local time, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter.

An earlier message from the city said that salt was being applied to roads.

“Crews have been out applying a liquid salt brine to help keep roads safe,” the city posted at 10:47 a.m. local time.

Toronto Pearson International Airport said it had crews preparing snow removal equipment to keep runways clear.

“Toronto Pearson is expecting up to 13 cm of snow to fall at the airport, starting in the early afternoon Friday and continuing through the night,” a post on X said.

“Our crews are preparing our specialized snow removal equipment to keep the taxiways, aprons, and runways as clear as possible,” it said, adding there was the possibility that airlines may need to cancel or delay flights.

Warming centres have been open at different places in Toronto for those in need, the city said.

The spaces offer a place to rest, find meals, and access washrooms, and provide referrals to emergency shelters.

Centres will stay open 24 hours until the city determines the cold weather is not a hazard.