Snowfall warning remains in effect in Toronto; up to 19 cm expected

March 22, 2024 Canuck

Toronto saw a spring snowstorm on Friday, with up to 19 centimetres of snow falling on some parts of the city.

Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning for the city, expected to end by the evening.

Here’s what happened during Friday’s snowstorm.

7:45 p.m. More than 250 aircraft deiced

Since the snowfall started, Toronto Pearson deiced 255 aircraft, averaging at 6.52 minutes per plane.

It is about -4 C at this time, according to Environment Canada, with light snow dusting the city.

Our deicing crews are out in full force at Toronto Pearson’s state-of-the-art deicing facility. Since the beginning of the snowfall, our deicing specialists have deiced 255 aircraft today with an average deicing time of 6.52 minutes per aircraft! #winteroperations pic.twitter.com/CJfjYIAqFJ

— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) March 22, 2024

6:45 p.m. Snow accumlations less than expected

The City of Toronto told CTV News sidewalk snow accumulations have so far been a little less than expected, pushing clearing later this evening sometime between 7 and 8 p.m. and carrying on through the night.

However, snow has been brushed off on some inner-city sidewalks since 3 p.m. Torontonians can expect walkways and multi-use trails to be cleared tomorrow.

5:10 p.m. Nearly 5 per cent of Toronto Pearson flights cancelled

Toronto Pearson International Airport shared a video of the current snowfall on X, formerly Twitter. Currently, about 4.6 per cent of the airport’s flights have been cancelled by airlines, and the airport says it is seeing “some delays.”

Snow is still falling at Toronto Pearson. About 4.6% of flights have been cancelled by the airlines so far, and we’re seeing a some delays. A reminder to all passengers to take extra caution when travelling to and from the airport with the winter weather! Drive with care and give… pic.twitter.com/2J3GYZABK9

— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) March 22, 2024

5 p.m. Toronto police urge drivers to ‘use caution’

In a statement on X, Toronto police reminded locals that the city is under a snowfall warning.

“Please use caution. Drivers slow down and drive to the weather conditions,” the post reads.

Snowfall Warning:
Toronto is under a snowfall warning.
Please use caution.
Drivers slow down and drive to the weather conditions.
Stay safe.
^av

— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) March 22, 2024

4:45 p.m. Up to 19 centimetres of snow now forecasted

Environment Canada says up to 19 centimetres of snow is now forecasted to fall in Toronto through the evening.

The weather agency says peak snowfall rates of two to three centimetres per hour is possible.

Tonight’s snow may significantly impact the commute home from work, Environment Canada says, urging locals to monitor alerts and forecasts for the evening.

3 P.M. Service suspended at 56 bus stops

Service at 56 bus stops across the city has been suspended to “safeguard customers and maintain operational efficiency,” the TTC said.

The transit agency said the planned suspension affects bus stops prone to “weather-related disruptions.” Riders are asked use the nearest alternative stops that remain in operation.

The list of affected stops can be found here.

12:30 P.M. Toronto delivers update on snow response

The city said crews started salting major arterial roads and collector routes at 11:30 a.m. to prevent freezing and frost before the afternoon commute. Local roads are set to be salted between 2 and 3 p.m.

Vincent Sferrazza, director of operations and maintenance of Toronto’s transportation services, said crews are hoping to get at least two rounds of salting done by the time heavier snow starts to fall after 3 p.m.

Sferrazza said the city has been tracking the weather event and crews proactively salted the roads on Wednesday, which he said gave the city a “good head start” in its snow-clearing operations.

When the snow does start to accumulate, the city will start plowing major roads and transit routes at 5 cm and residential streets at 8 cm.

“So we ask residents to please be patient and allow us to get those rounds of salting and plowing in and hopefully that would resolve any issues that may have arisen,” he said.

11:15 A.M. TTC deploying extra staff, buses

The TTC says extra staff members, buses and maintenance vehicles are being deployed as the snow starts to fall.

The additional buses will be brought online on a “route-by-route” basis and deployed to areas where heavy snowfall historically results in significant slowdowns, detour or disruptions.

At 3 p.m., the TTC said service at 56 bus stops will be suspended to “safeguard customers and maintain operational efficiency.” The list of impacted stops, which the transit agency said are prone to “weather-related disruptions,” can be found here.

With 15cm of snow forecasted, all stops listed: https://t.co/EkJVtPhHVs will be taken out of service at 3 p.m. until further notice. Please use the nearest alternative stops that remain in operation. We appreciate your understanding during these weather-related adjustments. pic.twitter.com/65Ci5Vdzzr

— TTC Customer Service (@TTChelps) March 22, 2024

11 A.M. Pearson says ‘give yourself some extra time’

The snow is falling at Toronto Pearson International Airport and officials are advising travellers to give themselves extra time to avoid missing their flight.

Customers are encouraged to check the airport’s departures portal for any changes to the status of their flight.

The snow is starting to fall at the airport. We’re joined by our airport duty manager, Michael Tomas, for an update on our operations. pic.twitter.com/fUWyvlExaa

— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) March 22, 2024

This is a developing story. More to come.

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