The weather travel advisory for a storm that slammed southern and central Ontario with a “wintry mix” of precipitation has ended for Toronto and most of the GTA.
Environment Canada said the weather system moved into the region Sunday morning bringing a messy mix of rain, snow, freezing rain and ice pellets, depending on temperature variables.
Global News Chief Meteorologist Anthony Farnell said despite Environment Canada’s weather advisory, the storm should be treated more like a winter storm warning.
The Windsor, Sarnia and London areas expected rain and drizzle this morning, changing to possible freezing rain tonight.
The Hamilton area looked at periods of freezing rain and ice pellets, while the Greater Toronto and Kingston areas braced for periods of freezing rain, ice pellets and five to 10 centimetres of snow, whipped up at times by gusty winds.
Police advised people to slow down and drive according to the conditions as roads are slippery and the conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the day.
Mark Mills, the road operations superintendent for the City of Toronto, described the storm as “complex” and advised drivers to slow down and drive to the condition of the road.
Mills told media on Sunday morning the ultimate goal was to get roads and sidewalks in good repair by the Monday morning commute.
“It will be an all hands on deck event,” said Mills. “We have the availability of about 1,100 pieces of equipment and 1,500 staff.”
Toronto Fire Services said high winds in the city’s Financial District Sunday morning led to glass falling from the 49th floor of a building in the area.
No injuries were reported and the intersection has been shut down.
Air travellers are asked to check the status of their flights before heading to airports, and with freezing rain in the forecast utilities are gearing up for potential power outages.
— With files from Canadian Press