After a mild December, the first winter storm of the season is expected to hit much of Ontario tonight, as an intense low-pressure weather system from Texas makes its way toward the lower Great Lakes.
The storm is expected to start this evening and, depending on the region, bring snow and the possibility of ice pellets, rain and freezing rain. The rain/snow mix will likely make for a difficult Tuesday commute for some drivers.
Air Canada has issued a weather alert for today and tomorrow, warning that flights operating from Toronto’s Pearson airport could be cancelled or delayed. Travellers are asked to check their flight status online before heading to the airport. Passengers whose flights are affected by the weather can rebook flights today or tomorrow without a penalty.
Environment Canada is warning of snowfall this evening for the Toronto area, which is expected to become heavy quickly. Accumulations of five to 10 centimetres are likely before the snow changes to ice pellets just after midnight.
A changeover to rain is expected by Tuesday morning, with a risk of freezing rain overnight.
Environment Canada meteorologist Steve Knott said the snow will likely arrive in the Toronto area some time after 7 p.m. ET this evening before turning to a mix of rain and ice pellets by midnight.
“When the snow starts it could be fairly intense,” said Knott. “I think that’s going to be the greatest risk to motorists.”
Low visibility caused by blowing snow might also pose a problem for drivers, with winds of up to 80 kilometres an hour forecast for some areas of the province.
‘If you don’t have to drive, don’t’
Toronto police Const. Scott Mills said police generally see hundreds of collisions during the first winter storm of the season.
“If you don’t have to drive, don’t,” he told CBC News.
In areas closer to Lake Ontario, the precipitation is more likely to fall as rain. Areas further inland are more likely to see snow, Knott said.
Other parts of Ontario will also see some combination of snow, rain or freezing rain overnight Monday and into Tuesday. A winter storm warning is in place for the Ottawa region, where five to 10 cm of snow is expected tonight with accumulations reaching up to 25 cm by Tuesday.
The Sudbury area has been told to expect 20 to 35 cm of snow beginning tonight. “Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow,” Environment Canada said on its website.
Winter storm warnings are also in place for Sault Ste. Marie, Manitoulin, Blind River, Killarney, North Bay, and West Nipissing.
Windsor will see ice pellets starting at noon today and changing to rain in the afternoon.
Winter storm warnings are in effect for London and Niagara, with a freezing rain warning for Hamilton. Other parts of southern Ontario are still under a winter storm watch, including Barrie and Kingston.
Environment Canada says it is closely monitoring the winter storm as it develops. Warnings may be issued if snowfall exceeds current expectations.
This storm comes as the Maritimes digs out from the region’s first major snowstorm of the winter. Some areas saw as much as 20 centimetres of snow Sunday.
The storm caused travel problems across the region on Sunday, with some flights delayed or cancelled.
Source: cbc.ca
