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Toronto police urge drivers to exercise caution amid chaotic winter storm

Toronto police urge drivers to exercise caution amid chaotic winter storm

By Mounira Magdy

Published: January 9, 2024

The Greater Toronto Area is expected to sweat out a winter storm today, Tuesday, with a mix of messy weather, and here are the latest details about the storm...

2 PM

Toronto Police clarified that the roads have been "somewhat normal" so far in terms of collision volume, but they still remind people to expect the unexpected on the roads amid a mixture of messy weather including snow, hail, and rain.

Officer Sean Shapiro told CP24, "Leave extra space, give yourself extra time, and you’ll know that the most important thing is speed again, if you’re driving too fast, you put yourself at risk," "this is where we see people lose control and slide because it takes longer to slow down and stop in slippery conditions and things can change."

"You know we are facing mud now; if we drop a few degrees, we might have ice again, and that really changes the dynamics of how your car will handle."

Shapiro added that people involved in a minor collision should exchange information and head to the collision reporting center if the vehicles are drivable; police will attend more serious collisions where there are injuries or criminal acts.

Some other tips for drivers:

Stock windshield washer fluid

Put cat litter in your trunk to help get out of a stuck situation.

Make sure to carry warm clothes with you in case your car breaks down and you need to wait for help.

11:45

The city announced it will open warming centers today at 5 PM for anyone experiencing homelessness who needs relief from the weather, providing a warm place to rest, snacks, washrooms, and referrals to emergency shelters.

Warming centers are located at:

136 Spadina Avenue (south of Dupont Street)

75 Elizabeth Street (behind City Hall, west of Bay Street, south of Dundas St. W)

North York warming center, 15 Olive Street (east of Yonge Street, south of Finch E.)

885 Scarborough Golf Club Road (east of Markham Road, south of Ellesmere Road)

More information about reception and warming centers can be found on the city website.

11:30 AM.

TTC said it is adding more staff and maintenance vehicles across the transit system to ensure its vehicles continue to operate today.

The transit agency also says it will actively monitor 56 bus stops in areas where heavy snow and freezing rain may make vehicle operation difficult; passengers are advised to check if their stop is in service before traveling.

Wheel-Trans service is operating today but TTC says customers may face longer wait times and delays.

Meanwhile, OPP offers some additional advice for drivers.

10:30 AM.

Toronto Police urges drivers to exercise extra caution on the roads as the storm begins.

The police said in a statement on the X website: "Toronto expects a winter storm today, so please be cautious if you have to venture out, drivers: slow down and drive according to the weather conditions. Stay safe, everyone."

9:45 AM

Snow has begun falling in downtown Toronto. According to CP24 meteorologist Bill Coulter, heavy wet snow will continue until around 2 PM early in the afternoon.

Coulter said: "Then the heavier wet snow changes along the lakeshore to sleet," "it takes a little longer in Pearson, probably closer to 4 PM, for the change to rain. Then we all see the temperature rise to about 4 degrees Celsius at Pearson and then rain falling until about midnight."

9:30 AM.

Environment Canada issued a major rainfall warning mid-morning Tuesday, saying between 20 and 35 mm of water is expected in the Toronto area.

Rainfall is expected to change from snow to rain in the afternoon or early evening, according to the warning.

The weather agency said “Frozen ground has a low capacity to absorb this rain.” "Localized flooding is possible in low-lying areas, heavy rain may cause flash flooding and water pooling on roads."

7:45 AM

Ontario Provincial Police urges people to take care regarding the weather today while out on the roads.

Kerry Schmidt said during a talk with CP24 the expected mix of rain and snow may be tricky for some drivers in terms of what to expect.

Schmidt added: "We also expect potential heavy rain that may cause puddling and could also have hydroplaning effects and loss of control clearly if you start to hop through water," "so make sure you’re driving according to those conditions. See open water, or see puddles or see snow and ice on the roadways, just like slow down, give yourself time."

He also pointed out that weather conditions are expected to vary across the Greater Toronto Area, so people should be prepared for changing road conditions too and be cautious.

Schmidt said: "If you’re driving through the area, you might be driving from rain to ice to snow, and you never know what the roads will look like when you have to hit the brakes."

7 AM

Toronto Pearson International Airport says it is monitoring developments around the storm and advises people to leave extra time to get to the airport and check their flight status online before leaving.

6:15 AM

Several school bus cancellations have been announced in some parts of the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario, in most cases, schools remain open for learning even if buses are cancelled. TDSB says cancellations are unexpected in Toronto. You can find a full list of school bus cancellations here.

6 AM

Conditions remain clear in Toronto early this morning and no weather issues are expected during the morning rush period. However, the winter weather travel warning is in effect today.

Environment Canada says Toronto could see snowfall amounts ranging between 5 to 10 cm, and hazardous travel conditions could begin late this morning in the GTA and continue into this evening.

The agency says the Greater Toronto Area may see heavy snowfall at times as the storm system moves across Southern Ontario, with snow expected to change to rain later in the day, with amounts expected to reach 20-30 mm.

Snowfall amounts may be much lower closer to Lake Ontario.

The agency said in its statement: "Difficult travel conditions are likely once the snow arrives. At this point, heavy snow appears to hit after the morning commute, but the afternoon commute could be significantly impacted." "Drivers should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly. Travel on surfaces such as highways, roads, driveways, and parking lots may become difficult due to snow accumulation."

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