TORONTO, February 15, 2025 – Just as the GTA is getting on top of the aftermath from Wednesday’s winter storm wallop, as predicted Toronto and the rest of southern Ontario can expect another dumping of up to 35 cm snow over the family day long weekend. It goes without saying that this will impact travel plans in every way from Saturday afternoon well into Sunday, as Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a snowfall warning for up to 35 cm in some parts of southern Ontario.
ECCC says communities near the Niagara Escarpment and the Dundalk Highlands may receive even more than 35 cm.
The snow is starting around noon on Saturday and expected to continued into Sunday evening, so make your travel plans accordingly. Basically, we are being advised to avoid the roads as much as possible over the next day and a half.
Here are the details coming from Environment and Climate Change Canada regarding the “Highly impactful winter storm this weekend.
Just the details:
Winter Storm Warning in effect for the following Ontario regions:
City of Toronto; Newmarket – Georgina – Northern York Region; Vaughan – Richmond Hill – Markham; Barrie – Collingwood – Hillsdale; City of Hamilton; Owen Sound – Blue Mountains – Northern Grey County; Innisfil – New Tecumseth – Angus; Shelburne – Mansfield – Northern Dufferin County; Orangeville – Grand Valley – Southern Dufferin County; Caledon; Mississauga – Brampton; Halton Hills – Milton; Burlington – Oakville; St. Catharines – Grimsby – Northern Niagara Region
What: Total snowfall accumulations of 25 to 35 cm. Locally higher amounts are possible over the Niagara Escarpment and Dundalk Highlands. Peak snowfall rates of 3 to 6 cm per hour. Significantly reduced visibility in heavy snow and blowing snow.
When: Beginning this afternoon and ending Sunday evening. The heaviest snow is expected Sunday.
Additional information: A potent low pressure system will bring another impactful winter storm to the area. Periods of snow will begin this afternoon bringing general snowfall amounts up to 10 cm by late this evening. Snow may become lighter tonight, with a risk of freezing drizzle near the Golden Horseshoe.
Conditions will rapidly deteriorate Sunday morning as a more significant area of snow and blowing snow arrives. An additional 15 to 25 cm is likely. Travel will be hazardous and is not recommended, particularly on Sunday.
Front Street, Toronto Thursday, February 13, 2025. photo by Terry Lankstead
Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm.
So, Family Day Monday should be epic for skiing and tobogganing enthusiasts, but Sunday might be better suited for outdoor activities that don’t require driving; shovelling the driveway for example, or perhaps playing games, puzzling or reading.
Be safe everyone!
by Terry Lankstead, with notes from Environment and Climate Change Canada
Other articles from totimes.ca – mtltimes.ca – otttimes.ca