DIGGING OUT
GTA survives messy commute, but keep your shovels handy. More snow is on the way,
Keep your toboggans close and your winter boots closer, Toronto.
Though the sun is forecast to return to the city’s skies Thursday, at least seven centimetres of snow fell Wednesday across the GTA, with some areas receiving up to 10 centimetres. Cold temperatures are also set to stick around, with Environment Canada forecasting a high of -6 C and dipping as low as -19 C with wind chill overnight.
The snowglobe-like conditions made for a messy commute Wednesday morning, with Environment Canada warning drivers to slow down and take extra care in the “hazardous conditions.”
The snowfall tapered off in the afternoon. By the time the snow had stopped, Scarborough had received nine centimetres, while Etobicoke saw 10 centimetres. Anyone braving a trek outside downtown Toronto found themselves slogging through eight centimetres. Areas closer to the Lake Ontario shoreline were hit harder by the snowfall in general, Environment Canada said.
Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health issued an extreme cold weather alert Wednesday morning as the forecast called for temperatures to plummet to -13 C overnight — feeling more like -20 C with wind chill.
The alert is issued when the temperature is expected to reach -15 C or colder or when the wind chill reaches -20 C or colder.
The city is asking residents to check on vulnerable people who are at risk of cold-related illnesses. Warming centres and winter respite services are available.
Another round of snow is forecasted to hit the city this weekend.
On Friday, Environment Canada said there is a 40-per-cent chance of snow with a high of -5 C. There’s also a 40-per-cent chance Toronto will get another blast of white powder Saturday evening going into Sunday. With files from Emma McIntosh and Alexandra Jones