Drivers advised to use caution on morning commute as Toronto continues cleanup from first snowfall
Those getting around the GTA and much of southern Ontario today are facing a messy commute as cleanup from the region’s first significant snowfall of the season continues.
A number of collisions were reported around Toronto this morning and drivers are being advised to leave themselves some extra time to get around.
“Have your full head lighting system on, then brush the snow off your entire vehicle, make sure it's clear, you can see all the way around,” OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt told CP24. “It's still snowing, it's still wet. You're gonna have to slow way down and give yourself lots of distance. It's not that complicated. But obviously we've had a lot of problems already.”
Those problems included a jackknifed tractor trailer which slammed into the concrete barrier on Highway 427, south of Dixon Road near the airport.
Images from the scene showed the concrete barrier smashed into several pieces and Schmidt said a light standard would have to be removed since it had been compromised and could topple down. The cleanup was expected to take several hours.
“It's gonna be a messy day here,” Schmidt said.
Traffic was slow around some of the other major routes Wednesday.
About 5 to 10 cm of snow blanketed the GTA starting Tuesday morning and the snowfall continued overnight.
The city said Wednesday morning that it was “all hands on deck” overnight to tackle the mess on the roads, but that driving could still be messy.
“What you're seeing there is the slush occurred because of all the salt that we applied,” Vince Sferrazza, director of operations and maintenance at the City Of Toronto, told CP24.
“So salt is working. It's melting the snow. And with all the cars driving it's creating the slush as you see so it is wet. So we simply ask all of the drivers to please slow down, give yourself plenty of time and drive according to the conditions.”
Environment Canada said Wednesday morning that a Winter Weather Travel Advisory remained in effect for the region, with an additional 2 cm of snowfall possible.
“Snow is expected to taper to scattered flurries later this morning. This snowfall is due to a low pressure system that will continue to track northeast across the region today,” Environment Canada said.
The agency said drivers should be prepared for slippery road conditions and reduced visibility.
“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions,” the advisory read. “Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Slow down driving in slippery conditions. Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.”
The advisory was cancelled by around 1 p.m.
Toronto Pearson International Airport said there have been only minor delays as a result of the weather so far.
“Despite the winter weather, operations at Pearson are running smoothly, with only minor delays,” the airport said in a tweet. “However, as always, it’s best to check the status of your flight with your airlines or on our website before heading to the airport”
In Toronto Wednesday morning, the temperature sat at -2 C. A high of 2 C is expected in the city today, but will feel more like -7 with the wind chill overnight.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.