Multi-day storm could bring up to 20 cm of snowfall by Friday

With many city streets still clogged from the last major snowfall, a multi-day storm is set to bring rain and even more snow to the GTA over the next couple of days.

A winter weather travel advisory is in place for Toronto and the GTA for the snowfall that is expected to last from late Wednesday morning through to Thursday night.

Environment Canada says rain showers will transition to snow by early Wednesday and will leave behind 10 to 20 cm over the course of two days. A winter storm warning is in place for Hamilton and areas southwest of Toronto with up to 30 cm projected by Friday.

“Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly,” reads the special weather statement. “Snow is expected to continue Wednesday night and Thursday before easing Thursday night.”

*UPDATED as of 8:20pm: Forecast snowfall amounts next 30 hours. Most of this is falling tonight. A break from the snow for the morning commute then a few cm's tomorrow afternoon. pic.twitter.com/gB063OIAyd

— Natasha Ramsahai (@CityNatasha) February 3, 2022

CityNews meteorologist Jill Taylor says the upcoming snowfall will likely be much easier to manage than the blizzard that hit the city two weeks ago since the snow is being spread out over a few days. Taylor says three to 8 cm for Wednesday afternoon and with more possible in the evening.

The existing leftover snow could make additional snow removal difficult. Barbara Gray with Toronto Transportation says city crews are ready for the incoming storm.

“We have 600 snowplows, 360 sidewalk plows, 200 salt trucks and 1,500 personnel who are preparing for the coming snow,” Gray said.

Mayor John Tory says he understands some residents are frustrated with snow from the previous storm but insists city crews are working around the clock to answer calls.

“As soon as the rain turns to freezing rain then they are going to do the brining and the salting,” said Tory speaking to Breakfast Television. “Plows have been positioned around the city in advance so that when it starts snowing they’ll get plowing.”

“As soon as that plowing is down they will resume the snow removal operations.”

Tory encourages residents to continue using 311 to report areas where snow still needs to be removed.

The Toronto Transit Commission has announced it will be replacing Line 3 Scarborough RT trains with buses on Wednesday ahead of the two-day snowstorm. In Toronto, they are warning school buses could be affected by the afternoon commute.

The TTC says 50 extra buses will be running from 7 a.m. to 7 p..m with a mid-day overlap. Social media and web updates will be pushed out frequently to keep customers informed, a TTC spokesperson says.

7-day forecast #Toronto pic.twitter.com/9aruBx4YEv

— Natasha Ramsahai (@CityNatasha) February 1, 2022

“Rain, snow mix for (Wednesday) morning, it will change to all snow for the afternoon into the evening,” says Taylor. “Colder air for Thursday and especially for Friday.”

The CityNews 680 guaranteed high for Tuesday is 4 C — the temperature will hover around there until the rain begins on Tuesday evening. A high of 4C was reached on Wednesday morning with temperatures dropping to 0C in the afternoon.

The colder air arrives with a high of -6 C on Thursday and -11 C on Friday.