Massive Storm Hits GTA, Bringing Snow & Winter’s Worst
Posted February 13, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The GTA received its first real taste of winter weather when a storm system moved into the area on Tuesday, blanketing the streets with snow.
By the time it’s finished, we could see up to 10-15 centimetres of the white stuff accumulate, although some forecasters predict it won’t be that bad.
Regardless, the snow that fell Tuesday evening has already caused traffic chaos, closed schools, and forced cancellations at Pearson International Airport .
On the 403 near Hamilton , dozens of drivers were running out of gas waiting for rescue crews after a series of multi-vehicle pileups near Ancaster. No major injuries were reported.
The first traces of the storm started around the rush hour, but even more is expected to fall overnight.
Special weather statements from Environment Canada warn places like Oakville and Hamilton could wind up with 70 centimetres, thanks to a combination of lake effect squalls and the storm itself.
And this disturbance is packing just about everything – snow, ice, strong winds, bitterly cold temperatures, the possibility of whiteouts and the near certainty that everything you just shovelled off your driveway will blow back again in mere minutes.
Experts don’t expect it to end until sometime late Wednesday. And that means the morning commute from hell just about everywhere by sunrise.
Police are warning motorists to get up early, both to clean their driveways and to allow for the extra travel time.
All of Toronto ‘s snow clearing knights are out, ready to slay this winter dragon.
“We’ll probably use about 10,000 tonnes of salt and we have 200 salters available and 600 road plows and 300 sidewalk plows, so we have a large fleet that’s ready to tackle any storm that should hit,” explains the city’s Myles Curry.
They’ve been waiting for this big event and after a mild winter, they’re up for the challenge. The question is are you?
- The City of Toronto extended its extreme cold weather alert Tuesday to help homeless people come in from the cold. If you see anyone in need you can call the Street Helpline at 1-866-392-3777.
For up-to-the-minute conditions, click here.
Halton Region closes all schools for Wednesday
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