Parts of Ontario under snowfall warning Monday as holiday travellers hit the road

Toronto officials are urging residents to be cautious on the roads as up to 12 centimetres of snow is expected to fall in the city.

Up to 12 centimetres of snow expected in Toronto
Weather warnings have been issued for most of the city of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), as some areas are likely to see significant snowfall.

By Cody Wilson
CP24 website
Updated: December 23, 2024, 9:44 p.m. ET
Originally published: December 23, 2024, 3:37 p.m. ET

Drivers and commuters may face difficult road conditions on Monday as heavy snowfall begins to fall across the region. Here’s the latest on Toronto conditions:

1:45 p.m.

Toronto Transit Authority (TTC) said customers will experience “longer than usual waits” and delays on surface routes this afternoon due to the weather. The agency is advising commuters to allow extra time for their journeys.

1:30 p.m.

Related stories:

Snowfall forecast for several GTA areas on Monday: Meteorological Canada
Toronto’s cold weather is gradually warming up after a very cold morning

Today’s snowfall will likely lead to a white Christmas in Toronto this year, said Dave Phillips, chief meteorologist for Meteorological Canada.
He explained that a “white Christmas” means there will be at least two centimetres of snow on the ground, and this year that benchmark will be met.
“The snowfall over the two days leading up to Christmas Day will provide the two centimetres of snow needed for a white Christmas. In total, the Toronto area is expected to receive between five and 10 centimetres of snow this afternoon and evening.”

1:00 p.m.

Several accidents have been reported on provincial highways due to heavy snowfall, including one on Highway 11 near Barrie. Police said the accident closed the highway in both directions between lanes 2 and 3 in Shanty Bay, but all lanes have now reopened.

11:30 a.m.

Snowfall has begun at Pearson International Airport.
“Our crews are continuing to monitor the snow conditions, which are expected to get heavier tonight, to ensure operations remain as smooth as possible,” the airport said in a statement.

“Surface maintenance crews are on standby to clear taxiways and platforms for the safe movement of passengers,” the statement added.

11:15 a.m.

The City of Toronto said the snowfall is expected to intensify by noon.

“The City continues to monitor weather forecasts and road conditions 24 hours a day and will deploy personnel and equipment as needed,” city staff said in a written statement.

Crews will salt roads when snowfall begins, and snowplows will be deployed when snow accumulation reaches the following levels:

2.5 centimetres: highways

5 centimetres: major roads, transit routes and graded streets

8 centimetres: residential streets

Sidewalk and bike path clearing will begin when snow accumulation reaches two centimetres.

11:00 a.m.

The Toronto Transit Authority (TTC) said it is preparing for potentially severe traffic conditions this evening.

“With up to 15 centimetres of snow expected in Toronto today, the TTC is taking precautionary measures to keep riders and employees safe while providing service as much as possible,” the agency said in a written statement.

The agency added that additional staff and maintenance vehicles have been deployed across the system, performing tasks such as salting, snow removal, and maintaining critical equipment.

8:30 a.m.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Capt. Kerry Schmidt said highways around the GTA are currently dry and clear, but radar indicates “something is on the way” and will arrive later today.

“The first time people notice the roads are slippery is when they hit the brakes,” he said. “Keep a greater distance from the cars in front of you.”

6:00 a.m.

Meteorological Canada says Toronto remains under a winter travel warning. Northern areas of the GTA are expected to receive up to 20 centimetres of snow.

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