Major snowstorm causing travel chaos in southern Ontario
"This is a great day to take it easy and not be out there [on the road]," OPP Sgt. Kerry Smith said in a social media post.
Southern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), has seen its first significant snowstorm of the season, with reported snow totals ranging from 15 to over 20 cm. The snowfall has been intense at times.
GO Train hits snow plow
Around 3:30 p.m., Go Train services announced significant delaysdue to the Lakeshore East train striking a snow plow.
"Personnel are working to clear the tracks so that we can resume full service," reads part of a statement on the GO Tranist website.
"At this time we are limited to using only one track between Eglinton GO and Guildwood GO. Trains will continue to be delayed travelling through the area. In addition to delays please also anticipate trip modifications and possible cancellations as we work to keep trains moving."
If you encounter a snowplow, please remember that it’s not only unsafe but also illegal to attempt to pass it. Doing so can lead to hefty fines.
DVP shut down amid multiple crashes
Thursday morning, Toronto police announced that the Don Valley Parkway was closed due to dangerous winter driving conditions and multiple collisions. The heavily-used roadway remained closed for several hours, slowly re-opening again after the lunch hour.
But treacherous driving conditions contiuned through the day.
In a Thursday afternoon post on social media, OPP Sgt. Kerry Smith, reporting from Hwy. 401 at the 400 in Toronto said cars were "pinballing" off of each other.
As of noon Thursday, the OPP had recorded 200 collisions and 125 cars stuck in snow banks over the past 24 hours.
"This is a great day to take it easy and not be out there [on the road]," OPP Sgt. Kerry Smith said in the social media post.
Snow dwindling by afternoon
The snowfall, which caused several school and service closures across southern Ontario, dissipated through the afternoon.
The bitter wind chill that sat around -20 this morning is easing a bit, but it's still frigid, with afternoon wind chills sitting around the -11 mark.
If you plan to travel, be sure to check current road conditions before heading out, as several areas may be significantly impacted by the storm. Travellers should also be aware that many flights have been delayed or cancelled at Toronto Pearson Airport and Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport due to the weather.
Stay safe and warm, and keep an eye on updates as the situation develops throughout the day. Below is a look at some photos and videos shared on social media and with The Weather Network.
Guelph, Ont. (The Weather Network)
London, Ont. (The Weather Network)
Toronto, Ont. (The Weather Network)
Hamilton, Ont. (The Weather Network)