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Toronto Prepares for Major Snowfall This Family Day Weekend

The City of Toronto is gearing up for a significant snowfall over the Family Day long weekend, with predictions indicating substantial accumulations on both Saturday and Sunday. Forecasters estimate at least 20 cm of snow could blanket the region.

Barbara Gray, the city’s transportation services manager, indicated that snowfall could reach around 5 cm on Saturday, followed by an additional 15 to 20 cm on Sunday. This comes on the heels of a snowfall that deposited around 19 cm across the city on Wednesday night, and Toronto Pearson airport recorded even more, with 26 cm measured at that location. Just last weekend, the city also experienced about 15 cm of snowfall.

In light of the forecast, Gray reminded citizens about the ongoing parking ban on designated snow routes due to the city’s declaration of a “major snowstorm condition.” She emphasized the importance of this ban for efficient snow removal. “This means that parking continues to be prohibited on all designated snow routes, to help crews clear our streets as effectively as possible,” Gray explained, noting that these routes are mainly concentrated in the downtown area and include key streetcar lines.

The parking restrictions began on Wednesday evening and will remain in effect until further notice. While the initial expectation was for the ban to conclude by Tuesday, its duration may extend depending on the necessary post-storm operations.

Severe Weather Warning

Meteorologist Anthony Farnell from Global News has warned of potentially near blizzard conditions on Sunday throughout southern Ontario and Quebec, particularly affecting areas near the shores of Lakes Ontario and Erie, where freezing rain and ice pellets are expected.

“I don’t say this often, but Sunday is looking like one of those ‘Do not travel unless it’s an emergency’ days,” Farnell cautioned, emphasizing the seriousness of the weather conditions.

In certain parts of eastern Ontario, snowfall could reach as much as 50 cm, presenting serious travel challenges. Gray has also alerted residents that vehicles parked in designated snow routes could incur fines ranging from $75 to $200 and may be subject to towing. For reference, Toronto Police have released a list and map detailing the affected streets.

In addition to the ongoing parking restrictions, snow removal operations are likely to commence where the accumulated snow is transported to designated storage sites. “The weather is going to be quite cold,” Gray added, noting that temperatures are expected to remain below freezing throughout the next week. “So much of the snow that’s there will only move if we move it,” she concluded, underscoring the need for prompt action in response to the impending winter storm.

Source
globalnews.ca