Toronto declares ‘major snowstorm condition’ after intense winter storm

The City of Toronto has declared a “major snowstorm condition” as snow removal crews begin the arduous task of removing the up to 30 centimetres of snow that fell Friday night into Saturday.

The declaration prohibits parking on designated snow routes, which are primarily located in the downtown core and include all streetcar routes, for the next three days. Police say vehicles parked on these routes will be towed and drivers face a fine of up to $200.

“We anticipate that snow removal won’t begin until Monday evening after plowing operations have concluded,” said Barbara Gray, General Manager of Transportation Services.

In the meantime it will be “all hands on deck” to clear the snow that has fallen. Vince Sferrazza with Toronto Transportation says more than 1,000 pieces of equipment – including salters, plows, sidewalk machines – have been deployed.

“We’ve been planning for this event for over a week and getting the snow dumpsites ready and mobilizing our removal crews in advance,” he said on Saturday.

Forestry crews have been busy responding to calls about downed trees and branches due to the sheer weight of the snow. Fallen branches and trees can be reported to 311 and crews will prioritize work based on hazards to public safety or property.

The City says community recreation centres will remain closed on Saturday and all permits and programs have been cancelled, though some outdoor facilities such as skating rinks and the ski and snowboard centres remain open.

The TTC says Line 3 in Scarborough remains out of service between Kennedy and McCowan Stations. Shuttle buses are running instead. A number of surface routes continue to be affected by the weather.

Toronto Pearson Airport says it received 25 centimetres of snow and that forced the airport to temporarily close all of its runways for several minutes Saturday morning.

“The storm was a little bit unique as it came down so hard and so fast in such a short timeframe,” said Pearson Airport spokesperson Tori Gass. “This wasn’t just a regular storm …overnight was really, really difficult. It was a tough one.”

The storm is continuing to impact flights at Pearson. As of 6 p.m. Saturday almost 40 per cent of all flights – departing and arriving – had been cancelled.

“Passengers who have been affected should contact their airline for assistance, and for those travelling today, check your flight status before coming to the airport,” airport officials said.

Lingering effects from yesterday’s winter storm might still affect your flight. Don’t forget to check your flight status before you leave for the airport. Drive safe.

— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) March 4, 2023

After cancelling all scheduled flights to and from Pearson on Friday night, WestJet says it has resumed operations “at a reduced capacity” on Saturday, adding they are continuing to monitor storm conditions and will make operational changes as required.

Environment Canada meteorologist Haizhen Sun says between 22 and 30 centimetres of snow fell on the Greater Toronto Area. Ottawa logged 14 centimetres of snow and Hamilton reported 15 centimetres.

The fierce winter storm that dumped heavy snow across southern Ontario was also responsible for the phenomenon known as ‘thundersnow’ which is snow accompanied by a mix of thunder and lightning.

Did you hear a rumble or see a flash last night? THUNDERSNOW ⚡❄️occured over many parts of southern Ontario! Here is a video of it in action in Toronto!#ONStorm #ONwxhttps://t.co/I5jueS0tkn

— ECCC Weather Ontario (@ECCCWeatherON) March 4, 2023

Both Toronto Hydro and Hydro One reported only scattered outages.