A messy mix of winter weather is headed for Toronto, and it might just be time to pull those heavy boots back out of the closet. Sigh, the never-ending winter.
After a brief stretch of milder temperatures, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a special weather statement warning that “hazardous winter conditions” are set to arrive this Wednesday, February 18. A low-pressure system moving through the region is expected to bring a little bit of everything, from snow and ice pellets to several hours of freezing rain.
The wintry cocktail is scheduled to begin Wednesday morning and persist throughout the evening. While the exact path of the storm is still being tracked, the city could see around five centimetres of snow accumulation and up to five millimetres of ice build-up.
The national weather agency warns that the ice accretion could turn local roads and walkways into a skating rink, making the commute particularly treacherous. In additon to the slippery conditions, the weight of the ice on tree limbs and power lines may also lead to localized utility outages across the GTA.
If you have travel plans for Wednesday, you may want to leave a little earlier or consider hunkering down. Visibility is expected to be reduced during periods of heavier snow, and travel delays are likely as crews work to salt and clear the streets.
The good news? This icy blast might be short-lived. Long-range forecasts suggest that seasonal temperatures should return as we head toward the weekend, offering a glimpse of spring once the slush clears. Until then, stay safe, watch your step, and keep an eye on the latest updates.