Environment Canada is advising everyone to postpone non-essential travel tomorrow

An update on Environment Canada’s winter storm warning is now asking commuters to “consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.”

Earlier today, the weather agency issued a winter storm watch, as up to 20 cm of snow was expected.

The watch is now a storm warning, as a winter storm with a combination of 15 to 25 cm snow and ice pellets, possible freezing rain, and strong winds are expected Tuesday.

“Snow and blowing snow will begin early Tuesday morning,” states Environment Canada. “Strong easterly winds of 40 gusting to 70 km/h will cause reduced visibility in blowing snow. Stronger wind gusts up to 80 km/h are possible near the shores of Lake Ontario.”

See also

• City of Toronto issues Extreme Cold Weather Alert until further notice
• Winter storm watch issued for Toronto as up to 20 cm of snow now expected
• Toronto expected to be hit with up to 15 cm of snow

Visibilities should improve during the afternoon as the precipitation changes to a mix of snow and ice pellets, although winds should remain rather gusty.

During the storm, expect surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.

“Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas,” reads the warning.

Winter storm warnings are issued when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected to occur together.

Environment Canada forecasted that Toronto will see some flurries today, with temperatures falling to -2°C this afternoon, but it will feel more like -12°C with the windchill.

By tonight, there is snow in the forecast, and a low of -9°C, but it will feel more like -19°C overnight.

The City of Toronto issued a cold weather alert earlier on Monday.