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Toronto snowfall warning lifted after heavy accumulation, multiple flight delays at Pearson

Environment Canada has lifted a snowfall warning that was in effect for the Toronto area overnight Saturday, but warns heavy accumulation could still affect travel conditions.

Though the worst is over, heavy snowfall accumulation may lead to hazardous conditions, making it hard to navigate highways, roads, walkways and parking lots. Toronto police are warning drivers to take care.

“We would ask drivers to drive with extreme caution, and check weather conditions before heading to their destinations,” Toronto police spokesperson Cindy Chung said in an email Sunday. “If you do need to drive, give yourself extra time.”

A fire hydrant is covered in snow on a Toronto city street
Environment Canada says Toronto is expected to get an additional 2 cm of snow Sunday as snowfall tapers into flurries. (Spencer Gallichan-Lowe/CBC)

City officials, meanwhile, say Toronto crews and equipment are ready.

In a media bulletin on Friday, the city said it is monitoring the weather forecast and road conditions around the clock this weekend.

Crews and equipment will be deployed when necessary, the city said. Crews will salt roads when the snow starts to stick to the ground and plows will be sent out to clear snow off roads, starting with expressways, then major roads and transit routes and streets with hills.

“Everyone is asked to keep a safe distance from snow clearing equipment and crews to let them complete their work safely and efficiently,” the city said.  

The snowfall advisory in Toronto follows a fatal, multi-vehicle crash that happened during a snow squall warning in nearby Orillia Friday.

Pearson gets biggest snowfall of winter, flights delayed

Snowy conditions are also impacting air travel, with dozens of flights delayed at Toronto’s Pearson airport Sunday morning.

Crews have been working to clear 15 centimetres of snow from the airfield on Sunday morning, the biggest snowfall the airport has had this winter, according to a post to the Pearson airport X account. Despite multiple snow-related delays, most flights are operating on time Sunday, according to the post.

Environment Canada said a fast moving low pressure system brought the snow, which moved into southern Ontario on Saturday. Up to 20 centimetres were expected to fall in parts of the city this weekend.

Take TTC if weather gets messy, city says

The city said residents should consider taking public transit while conditions are messy. If driving, motorists are urged to adjust to the conditions.

“Drivers are asked to plan their trip in advance, give themselves extra time, use gentle braking and acceleration and avoid parking on the street,” the city said.

Passengers get ready to board a TTC subway train.
TTC customers are shown here on a subway platform in Toronto. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)

5 warming centres now open

As for shelter from the snow, the city said the weather forecast means its five warming centres continue to be open for people experiencing homelessness.

The city opens five warming centres when temperatures reach –5 C or when Environment Canada issues a winter weather event warning. Two more sites open in extreme cold at –15 C.  

According to the city, its warming centres are one component of its winter services plan.

Through the plan, the city said it has also expanded several existing shelter and housing spaces, opened three 24/7 winter respite sites, including a 300-bed program at the Better Living Centre, and extended drop-in programs by 200 hours a week. These programs are open until April this year.    

An arrow on a sign near a doorway shows the building is a warming centre open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
The city said its warming centres provide a place to rest, access meals, washroom facilities and referrals to emergency shelters with additional supports. (City of Toronto/Twitter)

The city said its warming centres provide a place to rest, access meals, washroom facilities and referrals to emergency shelters with additional supports. They are available at:

  • 136 Spadina Rd.
  • 55 John St. (Metro Hall).
  • 75 Elizabeth St.    
  • 12 Holmes Ave.    
  • 885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd.  

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