First ‘significant’ snowfall of the season hits Toronto, GTA

Toronto is waking up to to its first significant snowfall of the season on Wednesday making for a tricky morning commute.

A winter weather travel advisory remains in effect for Toronto and the GTA and drivers are being advised to use caution as crews work to clear roadways.

“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions,” reads the advisory from Environment Canada. “If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.”

Toronto Pearson recorded a 24 hour snowfall total of eight centimetres as of 7 a.m. The snow is expected to taper off to scattered flurries by the late morning with another two centimetres possible before then.

CityNews meteorologist Jill Taylor says the snow should wrap up by 9 a.m. with a guaranteed high of 3 C on Wednesday. There will be a chance of flurries overnight and into Thursday morning.

Pearson Airport has only reported minor delays but anyone flying is advised to check their flight status ahead of time.

Winter driving season kicks off in the GTA

There is no better time to kick off winter driving season in the GTA with the first real snowfall of the season hitting the region on the same day.

The City of Toronto, Toronto Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, CAA and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) kicked off the season with a media event in Scarborough on Tuesday morning, with a focus on helping drivers stay safe in the snow and ice.

The organizations aimed to “inform Ontarians that now is the time to get your winter tires installed, check your car battery and stock your car with an emergency kit with all the essentials needed for the winter months.”

“We can’t always predict when and how much snow will fall but stocking up your vehicle ahead of time goes a long way in ensuring that no matter what weather conditions you encounter, you are prepared,” says Tony Tsai, vice president of Corporate Communications & Services CAA SCO. “Staying safe while driving this season begins with proper winter vehicle maintenance before bad weather hits.”

The CAA is out with some tips to ensure safe driving during the winter months:

• Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times. Cold weather causes condensation in the system, which can lead to fuel-line freeze-up and can prevent your car from starting.
• Remove excess snow from the car before driving off. Any snow left on the roof might slide down onto the windshield and obstruct your vision.
• Keep your wiper fluid full. Keep extra fluid in your trunk. Make sure it’s rated for -40 C.
• Pack a fully stocked emergency kit. The kit should include a flashlight and extra batteries, warning devices (e.g., flares, reflective vests/strips), a first aid kit, blankets, jumper cables, non-perishable food and water plus a phone charger. Be sure to also keep an ice scraper, small shovel and snow brush handy in your car at all times.

Police are reminding motorists to slow down and drive according to conditions.

“Motorists need to be aware and alert at all times when on the road, even in the most routine circumstances like driving to and from work,” says Toronto Police Const. Sean Shapiro. “Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination”.

The OPP says anyone involved in a collision or a breakdown should move their vehicle off the roadway, if possible, and stay inside until responders arrive.