GTA Residents Brace for Snowy Commute

Residents in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) woke up to a frigid, snowy morning that has made commuting a challenge. While the winter weather travel advisory for Toronto has been lifted, neighboring regions such as Burlington, Hamilton, and Niagara are still under advisory due to the persistent lake effect snow.

According to Environment Canada, “A band of lake effect snow off Lake Ontario will continue to affect the area this morning, causing poor visibility particularly in areas closer to the lake.” Motorists are urged to drive with caution as hazardous winter conditions could put a damper on travel plans.

What's more, although Toronto has seen the advisory lifted, citizens should prepare for additional icy winds and potential snow flurries throughout the day. Following a light overnight snowfall, the city could experience bursts of heavy flurries, especially near Lake Ontario, accumulating up to 2 cm in some spots.

Temperatures are barely letting up, with the day’s high expected to reach only -2°C. However, the wind chill factor will make it feel closer to -9°C, potentially leading to discomfort for those out and about. The night will bring even colder conditions, with a low of -10°C, dropping to a chilly -16°C when factoring in the wind.

Winter is officially here, and those planning outdoor activities should be prepared for chilly conditions continuing into the weekend. Saturday marks the first day of winter, with a high anticipated at -7°C, feeling as cold as -17°C due to the wind chill. On Sunday, temperatures are expected to rise slightly to a high of -5°C, but don't expect much warmth; sunshine will be interspersed with the ongoing cold.

Stay warm and safe during your winter commute, and keep an eye on local weather updates for any changes!