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The Greater Toronto Area remains under a yellow winter storm warning Wednesday morning, with a “wintry mix” of snow, freezing rain and ice pellets expected for the region.
Environment Canada’s alert says the mix may cause icy and slippery conditions. A low pressure system could bring the region up to five centimetres of snow and ice pellet amounts through Wednesday.
The federal weather agency added areas predominantly west of Toronto could face multiple hours of freezing rain and ice buildup.
“Even a few centimetres of ice pellets can result in travel conditions that can be more hazardous than heavy snowfalls,” the warning said. “Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate.”
Environment Canada recommends preparing for quickly, and deteriorating, travel conditions and allowing adequate time for travel.
In a social media post Tuesday evening, Ontario Provincial Police said drivers should be prepared to adjust their speed as roads may be slippery and icy.
“#EyesUp, keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road and your mind focused on the task of driving,” the OPP said.
Schools to remain open
In a post to social media Wednesday morning, the Toronto District School Board said schools will remain open. School buses, however, will be cancelled due to weather-related delays.
The Toronto Catholic District School Board also posted to social media, noting schools will remain open but all school buses are cancelled due to expected freezing rain and icy road conditions.
In a post to social media, Peel District School Board said schools will remain open, but all buses in all zones will be cancelled Wednesday “out of an abundance of caution.”
All Halton District School Board and Halton Catholic District School Board schools will remain open, but school buses in Zones 1, 2 and 3 will be cancelled, the Halton Student Transportation Services said Wednesday morning.
According to Durham Student Transportation Services, all transportation is cancelled Wednesday “due to inclement weather.”
In a statement Wednesday morning, the Student Transportation Services of York Region said York Region District School Board and York Catholic District School Board schools will remain open. All school bus and taxi transportation service for the two boards will be cancelled region-wide.
No Metrolinx service updates
Ahead of Wednesday’s winter weather, Metrolinx warned of potential delays to GO Transit and UP Express service Wednesday.
As of Wednesday morning, there were no alerts issued for GO Transit and UP Express trains were on schedule.
In a statement Tuesday, the agency encouraged commuters to plan ahead and allow extra time to get to their destinations. Riders can monitor the GO and UP websites for updates on delays and disruptions. GO riders can also sign up for real-time alerts.
Riders should also be careful on train platforms and try to shield themselves in station shelters during extreme weather, Metrolinx added.
