Parts of Ontario are still digging out from a colossal deposit of snow that fell over the weekend, and another harsh blast of winter weather is now headed right towards the province, promising even more disruption.
As areas like Bruce County recover from snowfall that reached a staggering 300 cm, another winter storm is now bearing down on Ontario and threatens to make for some miserable conditions across much of the province through the middle of the week.
Meteorologists are warning of an increased risk of snowfall province-wide this week, with experts at The Weather Network noting that a weak Texas low that will develop early on Wednsday is set to strengthen as it moves north towards Ontario, resulting in “hazardous travel and significant slowdowns.”
While meteorologists are uncertain about the storm’s track, they are confident that it will bring “widespread” precipitation to Ontario, and offer ample warning for residents across the province to get those shovels and bags of salt on standby.
The Weather Network calls the cluster of storms “part of a winter frenzy that has locked onto the province,” and explains that cold air from the Arctic that has been present over northern Ontario is drawing milder, moist air from the U.S. north.
These clashing temperatures create the perfect conditions for storms, and southern Ontario just happens to be right where these air masses have been meeting most often so far this winter.
Wednesday night is expected to bring localized lake effect snow to areas along the shores of Lake Ontario, with the potential for intense snowfall once the system approaches Lake Erie.
How bad will it get in Toronto?
Toronto has avoided the worst of the snowfall during previous storms this winter but may not be so lucky this time.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Toronto will experience a cloudly Wednesday with a 30 per cent chance of flurries and a high of -4 C. However, it will be the snow combined with wind gusts of 90 km/h that will really make for hazardous conditions on roads.
Snow is expected to roll in overnight with a low of -5 C, and continue into the morning hours of Thursday before tapering off with flurries on Thursday night.
Up to 15 cm of snow is expected to fall in Toronto by the time the Thursday morning commute rolls around.
Even more snow will descend in the following days, with Toronto to see another 5-10 cm during the day on Saturday, followed by up to 5 cm overnight.
Once all is said and done, Toronto could see upwards of 30 cm of snow by the time the weekend draws to a close.
Roy Harris / Shutterstock.com
