City of Toronto declares ‘major snowstorm condition’ ahead of incoming winter storm

The City of Toronto has issued a “major snowstorm condition” and a “significant weather event” as a winter storm lashes the city with close to 25 centimetres of snow by Thursday morning.

Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning for Toronto and surrounding regions, warning of heavy snow and possible ice pellets.

The National Weather Agency predicts that the city will receive around 15 centimetres of snow. However, in a release, the City said accumulations are “expected to reach up to 25 centimetres.”

The two declarations issued by the City will be in effect as of 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

The first system began on Wednesday afternoon, bringing snow, gusty winds, and possibly rain or a wintry mix in some areas. Peak snowfall rates of two to four centimetres per hour are possible during the storm.

During a “major snowstorm condition,” parking on city roads designated as snow routes will be prohibited.

“You need to pay attention. If you go to park your car later this afternoon or this evening that there’s not one of these signs on the route because this is the location where we could designate the major snow route and where we’d be enforcing that after 10 p.m.,” General Manager of Transportation Services Barbara Gray said at the Wellington Yard on Wednesday.

The City warns drivers who park on a designated snow route that they may be fined up to $200. Vehicles parked on snow routes will be towed at the owner’s expense. To locate a towed vehicle, contact the Toronto Police Service at 416-808-2222.

Click here for a list and map of snow routes in the city.

Officials said in most cases, the snow accumulation can be managed through its normal snow-clearing operations; however, this inclement snowfall calls for a special advisory.

“The City has the authority to declare a ‘major snowstorm condition’ when significant amounts of snow are expected to accumulate that exceeds the capacity of the road allowance.”

The City also activated its Emergency Operations Centre to “coordinate resources from across City divisions, agencies, corporations, and partners as needed to prepare for and respond to the snowstorm.”

Toronto and GTA residents will temporarily be free of snowfall on Friday, but another winter storm could impact the region over the weekend.

“An additional five to 10 centimetres of snow is also expected on each Saturday and Sunday, with total snowfall accumulation from the two weather events expected to reach up to 35 centimetres,” the City states in a release.

Officials also said the City declared a “significant weather event” because clearing city roads, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes may take longer than usual.

TTC preparing for heaving snowfall

TTC officials said they will be monitoring 56 local bus stops in areas where heavy snow and freezing rain can cause buses to get stuck and will take them out of service if needed. Riders can check here if their bus stop is in service before they head out.

The TTC also said additional employees and maintenance vehicles will be dispatched to spread salt and clear surfaces of snow, maintain signal switches, and ensure the operation of overhead power.

The transit agency also said it will be running anti-icing trains to keep the subway’s power rail and tracks clear of snow and ice. It will also spray anti-icing on subway switches, as well as on streetcar tracks, switches and overhead wires. Click here for the TTC’s winter weather plan.

The TTC has cancelled Wednesday night’s early subway closure on Line 1 between Bloor-Yonge and Osgoode stations so that crews can focus on storm mitigation efforts. The shuttle buses that were supposed to replace subway service will now be deployed to add extra service on local bus routes.

With files from Lucas Casaletto, CityNews