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 morning as a significant round of snowfall moves into the region. Here are live updates on the situation in Toronto.

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.

 

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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.