After a day of sun and double-digit temperatures, Torontonians are getting a rude reminder that it's still officially winter with a forecast 10 centimetres of snow and the mercury set to plunge to -17 overnight.
The rain had already turned to snow by early rush hour, with precipitation set to be heavy at times and warnings of blowing snow poised to hamper driving conditions.
Environment Canada renewed its special weather statement for Toronto overnight, warning:
'Although most of the snow will fall during the day, some rain or wet snow is likely just prior to the changeover to snow this morning as colder air settles in. This could create rather hazardous commuting conditions from the Greater Toronto area southwestwards as roads may become slippery with some of the initial accumulating snow turning to ice. Motorists are advised to exercise caution when travelling or commuting due to poor visibilities in snow and blowing snow and slippery roads.'
Blame a low pressure system out of Indiana and tracking across the Great Lakes for the blast of winter, which will result in snow from Lake Erie to Niagara and weather warnings and special statements across much of southern Ontario.
In Toronto, snow will ebb by early evening, but winds gusting up to 60 km/h tonight means blowing snow will continue to hamper commuting.
Track the progress of the snow on Environment Canada radar here.
Air Canada has cautioned that some flights at Pearson and Billy Bishop could be affected by the weather. The airline will waive change fees for March 12 travellers wishing to rebook. It's advising travellers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
Travel Alert- Mar 12: YYZ, YTZ, YUL, YOW, YYG, YGP & all NB. Details, Flt Status & rebook online. Change fees waived: aircan.ca/1nGuXEm- Air Canada (@AirCanada) March 12, 2014
Pearson was already listing a number of cancellations and delays on Wednesday, with nearly 100 cancelled arrivals and the same number of cancelled departures as of mid-morning.
11-12cm of snow are forecast today. Some delays/cancellations have occured. Please check your flight status with your airline.- Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) March 12, 2014
Porter is also warning travellers, saying weather could cause cancellations and delays for travellers into and out of Billy Bishop, as well as Chicago, Windsor, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and Newark on Wednesday.
Toronto will return to positive temperatures later in the week, with a forecast high of 4 on Friday and 5 on Saturday, before dipping back to chillier weather on Sunday and Monday.
Poor Visibility in the Burlington and Hamilton area - Use your full headlighting system.- Ontario Prov Police (@OPP_GTATraffic) March 12, 2014
Much of southern Ontario was under winter storm watches and warnings on Wednesday, with areas along Lake Ontario from Windsor to Cornwall warned of heavy snow and strong winds and areas stretching from Goderich on Lake Huron to the GTA to Ottawa under special weather statements.
Winter was also making itself felt in Atlantic Canada.
Forecasters are warning of another storm headed for the region that's expected to deliver an unwelcome blast of snow and rain.
Environment Canada says snowfall amounts up to 35 centimetres are expected in New Brunswick starting today and continuing Thursday.
Strong winds and blizzard conditions are expected in northern areas, while southern New Brunswick should prepare for ice pellets and freezing rain in addition to heavy snow.
Rain will be the biggest problem in Nova Scotia, where between 20 and 50 millimetres are expected with the possibility of blowing snow, ice pellets and freezing rain in northern areas.
Similar conditions are expected for parts of Newfoundland.
Along the island's south coast, forecasters say warm temperatures and heavy rainfall could lead to a significant snow melt and localized flooding.
Heavy snow, strong winds, freezing rain and ice pellets are also in the forecast for parts of Prince Edward Island. With files from Canadian Press
Post By http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/03/12/toronto-weather-makes-an-unwelcome-return-to-winter-with-snow-plunging-temperatures-and-travel-delays/
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