GTA gets first taste of winter
Posted December 28, 2011 7:13 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The GTA received its first taste of winter Wednesday, days after the season officially arrived.
Blustery conditions and wind chill have gripped the city and a rain-snow mix overnight Tuesday made for some slippery driving conditions in and around the GTA, prompting Environment Canada to issue a special weather statement.
The agency said a low pressure system brought in the precipitation, and a “sharp arctic cold front” behind that system has ushered in strong northwesterly winds and chilly temperatures.
Environment Canada warned motorists to look out for slippery roads in Toronto, Peel, York and Durham regions and parts of Simcoe County.
The wind chill Wednesday was a bone-chilling -15C.
“It’s the coldest air we have felt on our faces since the end of February. We’ve had a couple of cold spells in November, December, but nothing like this. This is truly Arctic air,” said CityNews meteorologist Natasha Ramsahai.
Check the latest forecast here.
Gusty conditions toppled power lines in the Whitchurch-Stouffville area, knocking out power to thousands of customers. Thousands of people also woke up without power in Caledon.
Police were urging motorists in Caledon to use extra caution while driving Wednesday morning as the power outage has affected several traffic lights.
