Snow Storm Coming to GTA: Environment Canada issues Special Weather Statement

If the biting cold this morning with temperatures of -8 celsius and a windchill of minus 23 isn’t enough, Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for the weekend.

As an update to all the speculation during the week of an impending snow storm possibly affecting Toronto this weekend, the weather statement confirms it is going to happen, warning residents of “Significant snowfall amounts expected overnight (Friday) through Saturday evening.”

Now, this is nothing compared to what is hitting Newfoundland today, where a state of emergency has been declared by the Mayor of St. John’s, all businesses have been ordered to close and all vehicles ordered off the road. They are in the midst of a terrible winter storm with 130 km/h winds and 70 plus cm of snow!

But in Toronto, the snow on its way will be enough to cause some disruption and power outages.

The amount of expected snow accumulation between 15 cm and 20 cm is attributed to an approaching low pressure system that “will bring snowfall to Southwestern Ontario beginning overnight which will spread eastward to the Golden Horseshoe on Saturday morning,” according to Environment Canada.

The snow should begin late morning, Saturday and visibility will be a concern courtesy of accompanying “30 km/h southeast winds gusting to 50 km/h.

The windchill temperature will be around minus 14 Saturday morning, so joggers and outdoor enthusiasts are advised to wear cold air protection over exposed skin. With temperatures this low it is also advised to limit your pet’s time outdoors.

Some areas of the city may transition over to periods of rain as temperatures may climb to plus 1 before dropping to minus 4 Saturday evening. Strong winds gusting up to 60 km/h may also create areas of local blowing snow, so bundle up with extra layers if headed out.

The snow or rain will diminish to flurries overnight Saturday night.

Visibilities will be reduced in areas of blowing snow, which can make travel hazardous. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.

On Sunday there is a 60 percent chance of flurries with a daytime high of zero degrees celsius and Sunday night there is a 30 percent chance of flurries as it drops back down to minus 11.

Environment Canada’s Monday forecast calls for “A mix of sun and cloud with 30 percent chance of flurries. High minus 4, during the day and “Cloudy periods with 30 percent chance of flurries. Low minus 11,” at night.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.