As the holiday season approaches, travel plans for many may be disrupted by significant snowfall. Here's what you need to know about the weather conditions affecting the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond.

11:30 a.m.

Snow has officially begun to fall at Pearson International Airport, marking the start of what could be a challenging day for travelers. Airport officials stated, 'Our teams are actively monitoring the snow bands and are prepared for heavier snowfall expected later today. Maintenance teams are ready to ensure safe travel by clearing taxiways and aprons.'

11:15 a.m.

The City of Toronto has issued warnings that snow will begin to intensify this afternoon. A city representative noted that road conditions are under constant surveillance, with snow clearing crews ready to deploy based on current accumulation measurements: - 2.5 cm triggers salting on expressways. - 5 cm for major roads and transit routes. - 8 cm for residential streets. Clearing of sidewalks and bikeways will commence once snow reaches 2 cm.

11:00 a.m.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is gearing up for a potentially chaotic evening rush hour as forecasters predict up to 15 cm of snow across the city. To ensure safety and service continuity, the TTC has increased staffing and maintenance vehicles throughout the network. They will be monitoring 56 bus stops that could experience hazardous conditions, with signs providing real-time updates and QR codes for service disruption alerts.

8:30 a.m.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Sergeant Kerry Schmidt reported that highways in the GTA are currently clear, but warned that road conditions can deteriorate rapidly as snow begins to accumulate. He advised motorists to maintain a safe following distance and be prepared for sudden changes in driving conditions.

7:00 a.m.

At Pearson, staff are fully mobilized for what is traditionally one of the busiest travel days of the year. With approximately 127,000 passengers expected to travel through the airport today, teams are prepared for snow removal operations to ensure safe takeoffs and landings.

6:00 a.m.

Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory for Toronto and surrounding regions as snowfall is expected to accumulate between five and 15 centimeters throughout the day. A snowfall warning is specifically in effect for northern areas like Barrie and Bracebridge, where accumulations may reach up to 20 centimeters.

Looking Ahead

While Toronto braces for a snowy Monday, the forecast shows a transition to milder weather by Christmas Day, with a mix of sun and clouds and temps just above freezing. Boxing Day is expected to be cloudy with highs around 2°C, but temperatures will rise throughout the weekend, peaking at 7°C on Sunday.

Prepare for travel with caution as winter weather approaches and stay tuned for the latest updates on the conditions that could affect your holiday plans!