Icy and slippery roads ‘likely’ as first snowfall of the season tapers off in southern Ontario: Environment Canada

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says drivers both with and without winter tires should be cautious as snow continues to fall throughout Ontario.

Icy and slippery road conditions are “likely” throughout much of southern Ontario as the first snowfall of the season tapers off, says Environment Canada.

In a special weather statement issued just before 5 p.m. for Toronto and several surrounding areas, the national weather agency said a few additional centimetres of snowfall are still possible this evening.

Temperatures are also continuing to drop, Environment Canada said.

Today, upwards of 10 centimetres of snow fell across much of the region, especially on elevated and grassy surfaces. The intensity of the snowfall, which began early this morning, mostly decreased by late afternoon.

Environment Canada said the highest amounts of snowfall were expected southeast of a line from Stratford to Orillia.

It is continuing to advise motorists to expect “difficult” winter driving conditions and is urging them to adjust travel plans accordingly.

“Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays,” the agency said.

People are being urged to monitor weather alerts and forecasts.

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City of Toronto prepared for snowfall

Speaking with CP24 on Sunday afternoon, City of Toronto spokesperson Elise von Scheel said staff worked throughout the day and into the evening to help vulnerable affected by the cold as well as ensure roads are safe and clear.

She said crews put brine on major routes, bridges, and expressways to help reduce snow and ice accumulation. Salters were also positioned across Toronto to respond quickly once the snow began to stick.

Further, sidewalk equipment, snowplows, and additional salters were on standby, as needed depending on the forecast, von Scheel added.

“We will continue to have those operations on standby, as needed. When we see the forecast and the meteorologists say there’s a need to have that equipment on standby, we do have those brining operations to see what else might be needed,” she said.

“We are making sure that we are ready to scale up or the scale down as needed.”

Von Scheel noted that City Council is looking at further measures to improve how Toronto clears snow going forward. More details, she said, would be shared later this week.

Residents are being urged to give themselves extra time to travel, consider installing winter tires, and be careful on slippery roads and sidewalks.

City opened warming centres, shelter spaces

At 5 p.m., the city also opened two warming centres for people experiencing homeless: one is in Scarborough at 885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd. and another in the downtown core at 81 Elizabeth St.

The city also made available 115 additional “surge capacity” shelter spaces today.

“We’re trying to bring as many people inside as possible. It’s about 230 spaces that we’re opening ahead of schedule,” von Scheel said, adding Streets to Homes workers are also doing outreach to encourage people experiencing homelessness to get out of the cold as well as handing out blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing.

Roughly 1,300 additional shelter spaces are expected to be available by Nov. 15 when the city’s overall winter services plan for unhoused people fully rolls out.

“We really want to ensure people are safe. If people see something weather related or snow related that needs to be addressed, they can call 311 the same with anybody who might see someone experiencing homelessness or someone outdoors in need of help, please call 311 and the appropriate teams can be alerted so that they can help,” von Scheel added.

Speaking with CP24 on Sunday morning, Sgt. Kerry Schmidt, of the OPP, said earlier today roads were wet and moving but as traffic began to accumulate crashes and rollovers, including some with injuries, became more prevalent, especially east of the city.

“The roads are wet. They’re slick. It’s like butter on the highway here,” said Schmidt, who spoke with CP24 while out patrolling on Highway 401.

“And if you get the brakes and start sliding without those winter tires, you may end up sliding further than you thought, and that can end up being a bad day for you.”

Schmidt said fortunately the first snowfall of the season happened on a Sunday when roads are more open and there’s no rush hour, however people do tend to drive faster.

With the temperature dropping and more snow accumulation, “unpredictable” driving conditions are sure to come, he added.

Schmidt offered a few simple reminders:

“Keep your hands on the wheel, keep your eyes on the road, and your speed down. Understand that it’s going to take you a little longer to get where you’re going, potentially, as you may find more congestion of people being a little more cautious,” he said, adding while winter tires may provide a “little extra traction,” paying attention will ultimately make the biggest different between ending up in a ditch or at a collision reporting centre.

The OPP’s Highway Safety Division said it responded to about 140 collisions caused by the snow and winter weather in the Greater Toronto Area on Sunday.