What today's Toronto snowstorm will look like hour by hour

Toronto remains under a winter storm warning this morning as the city is expected to be hit with up to 15 to 25 cm of snow and ice pellets.

Not to mention there’s the possibility of freezing rain, while strong winds are expected today and into tonight.

Sounds like the perfect day to stay indoors and work from home, if you ask us.

But if you have to venture out into snowmageddon at some point today, here’s a breakdown of how the day is forecasted to play out.

Good morning Toronto! #staysafe #torontostorm #winterstorm #SnowMageddon2019 #snowTO pic.twitter.com/tj22xfNswX

— City of Toronto Jobs (@CityTOjobs) February 12, 2019

See also

• Cancellations and delays already expected at Pearson tomorrow
• Environment Canada is advising everyone to postpone non-essential travel tomorrow
• TDSB, colleges, and universities closed in Toronto due to massive winter storm

7 am to 9 am: The storm has arrived

According to Environment Canada, the brunt of the storm will be taking place first thing this morning.

The snow will begin is already falling in Toronto at this time — and it’s doing so heavily.

There will also be high winds between 40 to 80 km/hr, with the strongest gusts along the lakeshore.

Visibility will also be limited, so whether you’re walking or driving make sure to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.

At this time, the TDSB, colleges, and most universities have already closed in Toronto due to the inclement weather.

Due to significant combination of snow, ice pellets & freezing rain expected throughout the day, all TDSB schools & administrative sites are closed today. This includes Child Care Centres located inside TDSB schools. 1/2

— Toronto DSB (@tdsb) February 12, 2019

Additionally, Pearson Airport says the weather will cause delays and cancellations today and travellers should check their flight status with their airline prior to heading to the airport.

Significant snowfall, ice pellets and high winds in southern Ontario today will affect airport operations, leading to cancellations and delays. If you are travelling, please confirm your flight status with your airline: https://t.co/ZxEmdBHBEF. pic.twitter.com/ieAQ6U7CGB

— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) February 12, 2019

10 am to 12 pm: The calm before the ice pellets

At this time, heavy snow will continue to fall, and gusts of wind will range from 30 to 80 km/hr.

Environment Canada is forecasting it will feel somewhere between -13°C to -17°C with the windchill in Toronto.

The City of Toronto will be out de-icing, salting and plowing streets and highways as required during the storm. You can track the city snow plows here.

Salting operations have just commenced on the Gardner Expwy. Salting will continue through the morning commute until plowing thresholds have been met. Please be patient TO. Slow down and give the trucks room to work. Don’t try to pass salters and plows.

— TO Winter Operations (@TO_WinterOps) February 12, 2019

1 pm to 2 pm: Arrival of the ice pellets, aka time to take cover

Environment Canada is forecasting the heavy snow will transition to ice pellets at this time.

While the snowfall will decrease, winds will continue and reach speeds of up to 60 km/hr at this time.

3 pm to 7 pm: It’s about to get real ugly out there

For the next four hours, ice pellets are still on the forecast, but it will be accompanied by the risk of freezing rain.

Wind gusts of up to 60 km/hr will continue, which will result in a very messy commute home.

As the storm continues, there is a chance that the power could go out in parts of the region. Toronto Hydro is preparing to have extra crews on standby.

In anticipation of tomorrow’s possible winter storm, we’re preparing to have extra crews on standby in case of outages.

Learn how you can prepare too by making sure you have emergency kit essentials: pic.twitter.com/KBCsprzNkB

— Toronto Hydro (@TorontoHydro) February 11, 2019

8 pm to 11 pm: The snow returns

Just when you thought it was over, Old Man Winter returns with more snow.

To finish off the day, the heavy snow will return, along with the risk of freezing rain. Gusts of wind will cap off at 60 km/hr, and temperatures will hover just below freezing.

The night’s watch

On Wednesday, there may be periods of snow, but it won’t compare to what Toronto experiences on Tuesday.

Snow is expected from 12 am through to 6 am, which will affect the morning commute, according to Environment Canada.