White Christmas on the way as 15 to 20 cm of snow expected

It will be a winter wonderland on Christmas as the city remain under a snowfall warning with a total of 15 to 20 centimetres of snow expected. 

The snow began blanketing the region Sunday afternoon. Toronto's Pearson International Airport is urging passengers to check their flight status before heading out and to take extra time getting to the airport due to the snowfall.

Natalie Moncur, spokesperson for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, said flight delays and cancellations are possible, given the forecast, but snow removal and de-icing crews are fully staffed for Sunday evening to ensure operations run smoothly. 

"They're ready for tonight. They got the machines revved up and everything will be cleared of snow and ready for takeoff and landing," she said.

"The crews will be out in full force. And they will be out there in the weather, taking the brunt of it, making sure that everyone can get to where they need to be tonight, safely. Keep that in mind, and yeah, pack your patience."

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In a warning, the Environment Canada said the snow could limit visibility, making travel challenging.

As for Christmas Day temperatures, cold brisk winds are in the forecast and that wind could create some blowing snow in areas. 

If driving, go it slow

"The message out to people is, you know what, if you see snow, please go slow. Take your time and give yourself extra time to get where you are going. Be mindful of our winter maintenance equipment. If you see it out there, it's there to help. Please give us the time and space necessary," Mark Mills, superintendent of road operations for the City of Toronto said.

He also urged drivers to be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists. 

Crews will salt expressways and major arterial roads . After two to five centimetres has accumulated, the city will plow expressways. After five centimetres, it will work on major arterial roads and streetcar routes. And after eight centimetres, it will plow local roads.

Mills said it could take up to 24 hours for the city to clear up to 20 centimetres of snow from city streets.