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Weekend weather wreaks havoc
Josh Wingrove
Staff Reporters
Another blast of winter is putting a chilly damper on March Break travel plans this morning, causing problems across the GTA and at Pearson International Airport.
Environment Canada predicts 30 to 40 centimetres of snow will drop on the city this weekend, with the majority coming this afternoon as the second part of the storm slams Toronto and area.
“We are now in a full-fledged winter storm warning,” said Mark Firmin, severe weather meteorologist with Environment Canada.
Major airlines have already reported cancellations and delays. Trish Krale, a spokesperson for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, said the situation could snowball throughout the day.
“There have been a few cancellations in anticipation of the storm,” Krale said. “People should definitely call ahead. It could get worse through the day as the storm gets worse.”
Travellers are urged to go to www.gtaa.com to check for updates.
Air Canada and WestJet are asking customers to check on the status of their flight before driving to the airport.
They are also reminding travellers that alternative flight arrangements can be made without penalty because of the weather.
Air Canada can be reached at 1-888-247-2262. WestJet customers should call 1-1-800-538-5696.
Cancellations and delays are expected to last throughout the weekend.
The storm is also making for dangerous conditions on the roads, OPP Sgt. Bruce Pritchard. There have been about 300 weather-related collisions so far, he said.
“It’s been a busy night,” he said.
Despite the overnight snowfall, Pritchard reported good conditions on the highways, but he said Hwy. 400 E. near Markham Rd. and Morningside Ave. is a problem.
George Brown College, Sheridan College and Seneca College have cancelled classes and athletic events for today. Students should check their websites for updates for Sunday.
Peel District School Board has also cancelled all classes and activities.
Travellers using GO Transit bus service in and around Toronto can expect 20 to 30 minute delays.
TTC service is running normally.
The biggest snowstorm we’ve weathered so far this winter dropped 33 cm on Feb.6 and 7. This weekend’s snowfall could also crack a seasonal record. The snowiest winter on record was 207 cm in 1938/39. This morning at Pearson airport there was 176.8 cm.
The Niagara region, Kingston and areas near Ottawa, will get somewhere between 30 and 50 cm of snow during the storm, which is expected to last 36 to 48 hours. Meteorologist David Phillips believes the city is on track to break the record.
“If we get 30 cm we’ll break the record,” he said, “and we still have six weeks to go. It’s not unusual to have snow in April. I would bet money we’ll break the record.”
Last year, Toronto experienced its second lowest snowfall on record, with just 60 cm.
“It really is a world of difference,” Phillips said. “The contrast from this year to last is quite the head shaker, even for myself. And it takes a lot to shock me.”
The near-record levels continue to strain road crews across the GTA. "Everyone’s getting a little tired," said Peter Noehammer, director of Transportation Services in Toronto.
Noehammer’s department has spent $40 million of its $67 million annual budget in just two months this year. However, there’s also a $12 million winter reserve fund that city council can fall back on, he said.
The regions are also facing a province-wide shortage of road salt. Durham Region was forced to order an emergency shipment of salt, which won’t arrive until Sunday.
In the meantime, Durham will mix salt and sand if needed, said Susan Siopis, the region’s director of transportation.
"We will use straight salt on the more dangerous spots - hills bridges, things like that," she said, adding the additional salt shipment should get them through the winter.
Toronto also expects its reserves will last, Noehammer said.
City crews will work around the clock this weekend to keep roads clear, using 200 salters, 600 street plows and 300 sidewalk plows.
"It’s been a heavy winter. It’s been tiring,” Noehammer said.
“We’re hoping spring will eventually come.”
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