As Greater Toronto Area (GTA) residents bid farewell to winter and welcomed spring earlier this week, Mother Nature seems determined to remind them of the season they thought they had left behind. The region is now bracing for potentially up to 15 centimeters of snow on Friday.
CityNews weather specialist Denise Andreacchi warns that the expected 10-15 centimeters of snowfall on Friday could surpass the total snowfall seen in February and March combined. The snowfall is forecasted to begin around lunchtime on Friday and is expected to significantly impact the evening commute.
Unlike localized snowsqualls, this snowfall is anticipated to be a widespread-system event, affecting the entire region. While Environment Canada has not yet issued an alert, preparations are underway to mitigate potential disruptions.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is gearing up for the snowstorm by deploying extra staff and maintenance vehicles to ensure the safety of commuters. Additionally, 56 bus stops known to be in challenging locations are being closely monitored, with the possibility of temporary closures if necessary.
According to Andreacchi, the snow is projected to taper off early Saturday morning, but until then, commuters are advised to exercise caution on the roads.
Earlier on Thursday, parts of the GTA, including Newmarket, northern York Region, and Barrie, were under a snowsquall warning, causing hazardous driving conditions on sections of highways 404 and 400.
This wintry weather resurgence follows a brief spell of warmer temperatures last week, with daytime highs exceeding 20°C in Toronto. Overnight temperatures have since plummeted, making it feel more like -16°C.
As spring takes an unexpected hiatus, residents are reminded to prepare for potentially challenging weather conditions and exercise caution while traveling.