TORONTO – The freezing rain, snow and ice pellets that wreaked havoc on the morning commute Thursday are just a preview of the main storm slowly rolling towards the Greater Toronto Area according to Global Toronto’s Chief Meteorologist Anthony Farnell.
Heavy rain, ice, snow and even thunderstorms are expected to move into the region overnight Farnell said, adding that higher-terrain areas such as the Niagara Escarpment will be among the worst hit.
“Icing will be significant with up to 20mm of freezing rain likely by early Friday along with wind gusts over 60km/h,” Farnell said. “This will be enough to bring down trees branches and power lines.”
Freezing rain warnings covered much of the GTA and Hamilton-Niagara region, where up to 10 millimetres is possible in many areas and others will exceed 20 millimetres, according to Environment Canada.
Winter storm warnings have been issued for areas north of the GTA, stretching from the Bruce Peninsula through Barrie, and along the Hwy. 401 corridor to Cornwall and the Ottawa Valley.
Areas north of Toronto will see the brunt of the storm with 10 to 20 centimetres of snow possible for areas from Barrie east to Ottawa, Farnell said.
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The national weather agency says there is the potential of a “major ice storm” with this system, warning of widespread power outages from downed power lines due to significant ice accumulation and strong winds.
Snow and freezing rain has been reported in Toronto, North York, George, Whitby, Aurora and Ottawa.
Further south, heavy rainfall warnings are in effect for the Sarnia and Windsor regions, where up to 80 millimetres is possible, the Environment Canada warns.
Meanwhile, the City of Toronto issued an extreme weather alert ahead of the storm Wednesday, advising the homeless to seek shelter.
However, Toronto is not expected to see the brunt of the storm but localized flooding could be a concern through Friday.
Porter Airlines, which flies out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, issued a travel advisory asking passengers to confirm their flight before heading to the airport.
Almost 400 flights to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport have been cancelled Thursday.
The wintery weather has forced several bus cancellations and school closures in the GTA, including York Region and Dufferin-Peel.
However, schools in Toronto remain open and transportation services are operating as usual.
Meanwhile, cold weather in April isn’t really out of the norm for residents of Toronto.
On average, Toronto receives six centimetres of snow in April. In 2005, the city received 16 centimetres of snow.
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