Toronto could see up to 25 cm of snow later this week

Workers clear snow from Toronto City Hall during a snow storm in Toronto, Saturday, March 4, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey

Toronto is now under a special weather statement ahead of the arrival of a storm that could bring more than 15 centimetres of snow to the city later this week.

Environment Canada issued the advisory on Monday afternoon.

It says that a significant snowfall associated with a low-pressure system is likely to begin Wednesday evening and last until Thursday morning, with the possibility that snowfall amounts will exceed 15 centimetres.

“Confidence in the exact track of the low pressure system is uncertain at this point, but it is likely that snow will transition to freezing rain or rain late Wednesday night or Thursday morning. If the track of the low pressure system shifts farther south, precipitation will remain predominantly snow, and significantly higher amounts will be possible,” the special weather statement says.

“A midweek monster”

Environment Canada says that it expects “poor visibility” and “local blowing snow” as a result of the storm.

It says that motorists should consider postponing non-essential travel on Wednesday and Thursday as a result.

At this point there remains considerable uncertainty over the total snowfall accumulation.

However, CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter says that it is possible that Toronto could even see up to 25 centimetres, calling the storm a “midweek monster.”

“Total snowfall by Thursday midday will likely reach 15 to 25 centimetres. Winds will also get very gusty, peaking around 60km/h just after midnight through early Thursday morning,” he said.

Coulter said that while Friday is expected to be “bright and cold,” another “snow maker” could bring five to 10 centimeters of snow by the end of Saturday.