What to expect on Tuesday after Toronto's snowstorm
There is still a possibility of more flurries in Toronto as residents start the lengthy cleanup process following Monday’s massive snowstorm.
On Sunday night and Monday a blizzard blasted through the Greater Toronto Area, causing schools and roads to close while trapping many drivers for hours. The storm forced the city to declare a 'major snow storm condition,’ which prohibits drivers from parking or stopping on designated snow routes.
As of 2 p.m. on Monday, at least 36 centimetres of snow had fallen on the City of Toronto.
Mayor John Tory said Monday night the cleanup effort could take more than three days.
“The snow condition is generally declared for a period of 72 hours, but it can be extended beyond that, and it likely will be extended to some extent beyond that because I think this snow removal work is going to take time,” Tory said.
A city spokesperson said it could take at least 12 hours to plow all 5,600 kilometres of sidewalk alone, without taking residential streets, transit routes and expressways into consideration.
Environment Canada has lifted all weather warnings for the GTA as of Monday night, however the agency does say there remains a 40 per cent chance of flurries overnight and another 40 per cent chance of flurries Tuesday morning. There remains a possibility for blowing and driving snow throughout the evening with winds gusting between 30 to 50 kilometres an hour.
The overnight temperatures are also going to drop down to about -9 C, or about -14 C with wind chill.
Those cold temperatures will remain throughout the day on Tuesday, with a high of -5 C, feeling like -16 C.
There will also be “periods of snow beginning in the evening” on Tuesday. An additional two centimetres may fall on the city overnight with a possibility of rain or mixed precipitation on Wednesday.
Toronto will also see further school closures and transit delays tomorrow.
The Toronto District School Board has said there will be no in-person or virtual learning on Tuesday. Officials cited safety concerns due to poor road conditions, snow drifts, plowing and the high possibility that buses will be delayed.
"With all of this in mind, we have made the decision to close all schools to in-person learning for Tuesday, January 18. Students will not participate in live remote or virtual learning," officials said in an email to parents.
"Where possible, teachers will provide voluntary class work through established online platforms for students who wish to continue their learning. Students may also work on previously-assigned work or spend time reviewing material previously covered."
Some child-care programs may remain open, however families are being asked to contact the facilities directly to confirm they will be operating.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and the York Region District School Board have said students will participate in remote learning on Jan. 18 “due to the significant amount of snowfall.”
Service on Go Transit and the UP Express will also be reduced on Tuesday as Metrolinx deals with storm clean up and conducts safety inspections. Commuters are encouraged to check their schedule ahead of time to prepare for potential delays.
Meanwhile, the city of Toronto says that garbage collection will continue on Tuesday as planned, although it make take “some time.”
The last time the city was under a blizzard warning was in 1993.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.