TTC removes 56 bus stops as ‘highly impactful’ winter storm lashes Toronto

The TTC has taken 56 bus stops out of service as a “highly impactful” winter storm threatens to bring upwards of 40 centimetres of snow to Toronto and the GTA this weekend.

Environment Canada has issued winter storm warnings stretching from Windsor to Ottawa as the system makes its way across southern Ontario.

“Most areas should expect snowfall totals between 20 to 30 centimetres from Toronto and westward into the Niagara Region by early Monday morning,” said 680 NewsRadio Meteorologist Carl Lam.

“Areas from Toronto and northeastward including Markham, Newmarket, and into Cottage Country should expect 25 to 35 centimetres of snow in total by early Monday morning.”

Environment Canada says while the snow will become lighter Saturday night, there is a risk of freezing drizzle near the Golden Horseshoe.

Conditions are expected to rapidly deteriorate Sunday morning as a more significant area of snow and blowing snow arrives. Lam says some areas will see snowfall rates of between 3 to five centimetres per hour, and coupled with gusting winds, it will make for dangerous travel conditions.

“Sunday will be a treacherous day for travel with heavy snow and northeasterly winds early around 30 to 40 km/h and gusts to 70 at times,” he said. “Visibility will be near zero tomorrow throughout much of the day.”

The City of Toronto has opened an additional warming centre at the Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre for the duration of the extreme weather event to go with the five other centres that are already open. https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/homeless-help/toronto-warming-centres/

Officials say the warming centre at Cecil Community Centre will not be activated as it has been booked as a voting location for the upcoming provincial election. However, space at other warming centres is being temporarily increased to make up for the lost capacity.

Storm impact on transit and airport

The weather is affecting flights in and out of Pearson International Airport. As of 11 p.m. Saturday, up to 130 departing and arriving flights had been cancelled. Officials say anyone travelling on Saturday and Sunday should check their flight status before coming to the airport.

The TTC has already taken 56 stops out of service due to the weather. These are stops in areas where heavy snow and freezing rain can cause buses to get stuck. The transit agency says it plans to keep the service running as scheduled this weekend, adding there are no scheduled subway closures while encouraging motorists to stay off the roads and take transit to get around the city.

Metrolinx says it is modifying its weekend GO Train schedule due to the winter storm, adding four additional trains to its Kitchener line. Trains are expected to run every 30 minutes on the Lakeshore West and East lines while no changes are planned for the Stouffville, Barrie and UP Express trains.

The provincial transit agency says while it intends to operate a regular GO Bus schedule throughout the weekend, “we expect delays across the network as this winter weather continues.”

The Toronto Zoo says for the safety and well-being of the animals, staff, volunteers, and guests it will be closed on Sunday due to the storm. They expect to reopen again on Monday.

The Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, and Aga Khan Museum will all be closed on Sunday. All three attractions anticipate reopening on Monday.

The storm’s exit on Monday will usher in colder weather for the Family Day holiday and the remainder of the week with temperatures well below seasonal averages.