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 King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.