Toronto Faces Weather Advisory with Snow and Strong Winds Hitting GTA
Toronto is under a special weather advisory due to snow and strong winds affecting the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Environment Canada has issued this alert, predicting additional snowfall and high wind gusts.
Weather Forecast Details
The forecast indicates that Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton may receive between 2 to 4 centimetres of snow. Wind gusts could reach up to 70 km/h, making driving conditions hazardous. Markham and parts of Durham Region have been placed under a yellow snowfall warning, which suggests they could see snowfall accumulations of up to 5 centimetres, particularly in elevated areas like the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Driving Safety and Police Warnings
Toronto Police Constable Shannon Eames advises drivers to exercise extreme caution in the current snowy conditions. Icy roads have already caused several collisions, prompting authorities to urge residents to slow down and ensure their vehicles are adequately prepared.
- Keep headlights on and ensure vehicles are clear of snow for visibility.
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Consider postponing non-essential travel.
- Give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
Constable Eames emphasized the importance of adjusting speed based on road conditions. For those who must drive, she recommended staying in the right lane to allow others to pass safely. Additionally, drivers should carry extra windshield washer fluid to avoid visibility issues.
Community Resources
As temperatures hover around 0°C, the City of Toronto has opened five warming centres to provide relief to those in need. Outreach teams are also actively encouraging vulnerable residents to seek shelter indoors. The locations of the warming centres are:
- 136 Spadina Rd.
- 81 Elizabeth St.
- 12 Holmes Ave.
- 885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd.
- 349 George St.
Residents are advised to stay informed about changing weather conditions and to adhere to all alerts issued by Environment Canada as the day progresses.
