Snow Storm Weather Forecast: Toronto Warned of Snow, Freezing Rain and Gusty Winds
A special alert from Environment Canada warns Toronto will face a snow storm weather forecast on Sunday with a mix of snow, freezing rain and strong wind gusts that could make travel difficult and cause power outages. The agency says two to six centimetres of snow and one to two millimetres of ice buildup are expected, with gusts reaching as high as 70 km/h late Sunday afternoon or evening (ET). Officials say impacts could extend into Monday morning (ET) as winds shift and bands of snow continue.
Snow Storm Weather Forecast: immediate threats
The most urgent hazards are the expected ice accumulation and the combination of heavy winds and falling snow. Environment Canada warned of two to six centimetres of incoming snow with one to two millimetres of ice buildup, creating slippery roads and difficult travel on Sunday (ET). Strong southerly and later southerly-to-westerly wind gusts up to about 60–70 km/h are forecast late Sunday, with gusts rising to 70–90 km/h on Monday as winds shift, increasing the risk of local blowing snow and fallen tree branches that can damage lines.
Reduced visibility from bands of snow is expected late into Sunday morning (ET) where the snow band persists, and power outages are possible into Monday morning (ET) because high winds may bring down branches and lines. By Sunday afternoon (ET) the main snow band is expected to move northward, but pockets of mixed precipitation and strong gusts could linger.
Reactions from officials and experts
Environment Canada framed the wind threat in explicit terms: “The onset of the strongest wind gusts are expected to be with the passage of a cold front Monday morning. ” The advisory also warned, “High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break. Local utility outages are possible. “
Environment Canada climatologist Dave Phillips captured the pattern of rapid temperature swings, saying: “This up-and-down kind of crazy weather is continuing. It’s this kind of roller coaster ride that we are on. It’s sometimes we call it whiplash. ” Phillips noted that a late change in wind direction will bring a brief warm-up before temperatures fall again, producing a patchy wintry mix that complicates the transition from rain to snow and freezing rain.
Quick context and what to watch next
A special weather statement and gusty-winds advisory remain in place for the region, with Environment Canada advising that gusty winds may persist through Tuesday morning (ET). After the Sunday event, showers and a temporary springlike high are expected on Monday (ET) before temperatures drop again later in the week, keeping the area on a volatile temperature roller coaster.
Prepare for disruptive travel and localized outages through Sunday into Monday morning (ET). Municipal crews and utilities will be monitoring wind and ice impacts; motorists are urged to expect slippery roads and bursts of low visibility where the snow band sets up. The snow storm weather forecast will evolve as the cold front moves through and winds shift—updates to watches and warnings are likely as conditions change (ET).
