Toronto under extreme cold weather alert heading into Boxing Day
CBC News | Posted: December 25, 2017 11:05 AM | Last Updated: December 26, 2017
Environment Canada says windchill of up to -25 expected Monday night
It may look like a winter wonderland outside, but you may want to bundle up if you want to enjoy the snow this Christmas— the City of Toronto has issued an extreme cold weather alert.
Extreme cold weather alerts are typically issued when temperatures reach -15°C or colder or a wind chill of -20°C or colder.
Environment Canada predicts a dip to -14 C tonight with a windchill of up to -25. The national weather agency says brisk westerly winds are expected to cause blowing snow with exposed areas being particularly vulnerable.
The agency also says people on the roads should adjust their driving when visibility is reduced in blowing snow.
Flights affected
Snow began blanketing the GTA Sunday afternoon with Pearson International Airport urging passengers to check their flight status before heading out and to take extra time getting to the airport due to the snowfall.
The airport anticipated flight delays and cancellations, but was fully staffed with snow removal and de-icing crews to ensure operations ran smoothly.
The airport said Monday that the winter weather is affecting flights and is continuing to ask passengers to check their flight status online.
If driving, take it slow
The city is also asking for motorists to go slowly in the snow.
"Take your time and give yourself extra time to get where you are going," Mark Mills, superintendent of road operations for the City of Toronto said. "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."
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.