Parts of Ontario under snowfall warning Monday as holiday travellers hit the road

Holiday travellers and commuters could be in for a messy drive on Monday as a significant round of snowfall moves into the region. Here are live updates on the situation in Toronto.

11:30 a.m.

Snow has started to fall at Pearson International Airport.

“Our teams are continuing to track the bands of snow, which are expected to be heavier tonight, to keep operations running as smoothly as possible,” a statement from the airport read.

“Our surface maintenance specialists are standing by to clear the taxiways and aprons to keep travellers moving safely.”

11:15 a.m.

The City of Toronto says snow is expected to ramp up this afternoon.

“The City continues to monitor the weather forecast and road conditions 24 hours a day and will deploy crews and equipment as required,” city staff said in a written statement.

Crews salt roads when the snow starts and plows are deployed when snow accumulation reaches the following thresholds:

2.5 cm – expressways

5 cm – major roads, transit routes and streets with hills

8 cm – residential streets

Sidewalk and bikeway clearing begins when snow accumulation reaches 2 cm.

11 a.m.

The TTC says it is preparing for what could be a treacherous evening rush hour in the city.

“With up to 15 cm of snow forecasted to fall in Toronto today, the TTC is taking proactive measures to keep customers and employees safe while delivering as much service as possible,” the transit agency said in a written statement.

The TTC added that extra employees and maintenance vehicles are being deployed throughout the system, spreading salt, clearing surfaces of snow, as well as keeping signals, switches, and overhead power clear.

“The TTC will also be deploying additional buses on a route-by-route basis. This strategic measure is aimed at preserving service levels in areas where heavy snowfall or other adverse weather conditions result in significant slowdowns, detours, or disruptions,” the statement read.

The TTC noted that as the “storm moves in,” the transit agency will monitor 56 bus stops where conditions may be hazardous.

“Winter weather information signs are installed at these stops to provide valuable information to customers, including details about service disruptions and the location of the nearest in-service bus stop. By scanning a QR code on the signs, customers can easily check if their bus stop is affected by severe weather conditions.”

8:30 a.m.

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said highways around the GTA are dry and bare now but the radar shows that “something is on its way” later today. 

“It can change quickly,” Schmidt said of road conditions.

“The first time people realize that roads are slippery is when they are hitting the brakes… Give yourself a little extra following distance,” he said.

“You want to be able to adjust your driving accordingly.”

7 a.m.

Pearson International Airport said staff are preparing for the snowfall on what is typically one of the busiest travel days of the year. An estimated 127,000 travellers are expected to pass through all terminals today.

“Our surface maintenance team is prepared to clear the runways by plowing, sweeping, and blowing snow to ensure safe arrivals and departures,” the airport said in a post on social media.

6 a.m.

Environment Canada says Toronto remains under a winter weather travel advisory for Toronto and many parts of the GTA ahead of snowy conditions that could bring between five and 15 centimetres to the GTA on Monday

The national weather agency said only a few centimetres are expected in the initial round of snowfall this morning but “another more significant round of snow” is headed for the GTA this afternoon and evening.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for areas north of the GTA, including Barrie, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Parry Sound.

In these areas, up to 20 centimetres of snowfall is possible on Monday, with peak snowfall rates of between two and three centimetres per hour.

“Snow at times heavy is expected to develop this morning for areas east of Georgian Bay,” the snowfall warning read.

“Snow will taper off to flurries with a risk of freezing drizzle tonight. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.”

There is a risk of freezing drizzle for Toronto and other parts of the province on Christmas Eve but Christmas Day will bring a mix of sun and cloud and a daytime high just above the freezing mark.

Cloudy skies and a high of 2 C is in the forecast on Boxing Day but warmer conditions are on the horizon for the city.

Environment Canada is calling for a high of 5 C on Friday, 6 C on Saturday, and 7 C on Sunday.