A winter weather travel advisory has been issued for Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as Environment Canada warns of reduced visibility and hazardous road conditions due to a significant snowfall expected to begin this afternoon.
According to Environment Canada, snowfall accumulations could reach up to 10 centimetres, affecting areas around Lake Ontario, Lake Huron, and as far south as Windsor.
“Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow,” the advisory states.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and maintain a safe following distance, as road conditions may deteriorate quickly.
The snowfall is expected to gradually taper into flurries overnight, with lingering precipitation into early Sunday morning.
- Saturday’s daytime high: -2°C
- Sunday’s forecast: Cloudy, 40% chance of flurries, high of 1°C
This advisory comes just a day after a severe snow squall caused a multi-vehicle pileup on Highway 11 in Orillia, leading to one fatality and 11 hospitalizations.
“More than 40 cm of snow fell in Orillia between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday,” officials reported.
Following the crash, southbound lanes of Highway 11 were temporarily closed but reopened by 11 p.m. Friday night. The snow squall warning for Orillia has since been lifted.
With heavy snow expected in Toronto and surrounding regions, city officials are urging residents to exercise caution while commuting. Snowplows and salt trucks will be deployed to maintain road safety, but drivers and pedestrians should remain vigilant.
Residents are encouraged to check weather updates, allow extra time for travel, and use public transportation when possible. For the latest updates, visit Environment Canada’s website or check local traffic reports.