A winter storm that traced a path of snow through the upper Midwest of the United States is expected to dump a small amount of snow on Toronto Sunday night and into the morning, causing the city to get ready for commuter headaches.
The city sent de-icing trucks onto major GTA highways and roadways Sunday, attempting to get a head start on slippery conditions and hopefully cut down on collisions during the busy morning commute.
Salt trucks and snow plows were also put on standby Sunday, ready to move when the first flake fell.
It is a flurry of activity for city employees who spent the early part of the winter waiting for snow to fall.
"It's always a panic and you're never happy or satisfied until you've got the job done," Roads Superintendent Len Singleton said.
Tow truck operators prepared for brisk business. Previous experience told them that even a small snowfall can mean big problems on Toronto's busy highways.
"A lot of accidents, definitely a lot of accidents and hectic roads and a lot of tow trucks," Frank Zoghi said.
That means busy times at the city's collision reporting centres as well. Police are ready for the influx of battered cars and harried drivers.
"Whatever comes in through the door that's what we take, one at a time," Sgt. Ted Blacker said.
He added that the major factor in most fender benders is the attitude of motorists.
"Usually, attitude is what gets most people into collisions," Blacker said.
The storm dumped 45 centimetres of snow in parts of the U.S. eight traffic deaths are being attributed to the storm in Wisconsin and Kansas.
But forecasters said Toronto will be spared, expecting only about five centimetres.
With a report from CTV's MairiAnna Bachynsky and files from The Associated Press
