Cancellations mount, power outage risk grows as snow, ice blast Ontario
Dangerously icy roads and widespread power outages are likely across southern Ontario as a major winter storm pushes through the region.
Highway 402 will act as a rough dividing line between snow and ice pellets to the north, and a significant crust of ice from freezing rain along the highway and to the south.
Folks across the region should expect widespread travel issues through Thursday evening, and prepare for the potential for long-lasting power outages in areas hit hardest by freezing rain.
Transit cancellations mounting as storm picks up
This high-impact storm could last for more than 20 hours in some parts of southern Ontario, heavily affecting travel during both commutes on Thursday.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) cancelled bus service at dozens of stops beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Service is suspended at these stops because they're located at "known icy trouble spots on hills," the TTC says.
Airlines delayed or cancelled dozens of flights out of Toronto-Pearson International Airport through Thursday morning, with disruptions likely to mount as the storm grows more intense overnight.
RELATED: 'Common sense driving tips to help steer through Canada's winter'
School districts will likely make announcements regarding changes to class schedules and transportation, if any, by the early morning hours. No major districts had announced any changes by 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Freezing rain a significant threat in southwestern Ontario
Most concerning is the ongoing risk for significant freezing rain across southwestern Ontario, from Windsor through London to the Niagara Peninsula. Some of the worst travel conditions will fall along Highway 3 north of Lake Erie, and along parts of the 401.
Precipitation will reach its peak intensity overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning.
Widespread freezing rain warnings are in effect for the region due to the prolonged nature of this event.
The amount of ice accretion will vary depending on surface temperature, wind speeds, and precipitation rates. It is important to keep in mind when viewing the ice forecast, that only approximately half the freezing rain that falls will accumulate on surfaces such as roads, tree branches and powerlines.
SEE ALSO: Here's how to stay safe during a winter power outage
With winds gusting over 60 km/h, tree and power line damage risks are widespread, with the threat for extended power outages through Thursday.
WATCH: Worried about a power outage? How to prep ahead of time
Threat for ice pellets and heavy snow
For the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and regions to the north and east, there's more cold air funneling in from the north. This creates a much shallower melting layer, resulting in snow and ice pellet accumulations.
Copious amounts of ice pellets are expected for parts of the GTA, likely the most we’ve seen since the storm in April 2018.
Ice pellets do not accumulate as readily as snowfall. They will still blow around and create slick surfaces, but the impacts are less than freezing rain. Don't be fooled, however, as ice pellets are very heavy, which makes them more difficult to shovel. Ice pellets can freeze solid after sitting for a while, possibly making it even harder to shovel them away after the storm ends.
The GTA can expect combined snow and ice pellet accumulations of about 20 cm, with more possible to the north and less possible to the south.
While ice accretion will be light, widespread winter storm warnings have been issued for the GTA and surrounding areas to the north due to the mixture of snow and ice.
There'll be some additional freezing rain on Thursday, adding more headaches for travelers and commuters.
From the shores of Lake Huron to Kingston, and extending across eastern Ontario, there’s a higher probability to see over 20 cm of snowfall through Thursday.
Amounts start to fall off the further northeast you travel, but even the Ottawa region is looking at upwards of 20 cm of snowfall with this low, as the region stays on the cold side of this storm, prompting for snowfall warnings to be issued.
The system is forecast to depart Thursday night and exit the region on Friday.
Check back to The Weather Network for more updates and information on this winter storm in Ontario. For information on emergency plans and kits go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca.
