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Toronto is bracing for a messy mix of freezing rain, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, with a rainfall warning issued by Surroundings Canada as of Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 10:30 AM EST. The city could see 20 to 40 millimetres of rain by late Sunday, creating hazardous conditions for travelers and potentially impacting infrastructure.
Icy Roads and Potential Flooding Threaten Toronto
A combination of freezing rain and heavy downpours is expected to create treacherous conditions across the Greater Toronto Area.
- Freezing rain is expected to begin around noon Sunday near the west end of Lake Ontario.
- Between 20 and 30 millimetres of rain are forecast for sunday evening, alongside fog.
- Northbound Highway 400 is closed due to icy conditions and multiple collisions.
- Strong wind gusts of 70 to 80 km/h are predicted for Monday.
Q: What’s the biggest concern for toronto right now?
A: The primary concern is the potential for icy and slippery conditions due to freezing rain, combined with the risk of localized flooding from the anticipated heavy rainfall.
The national weather agency warned that freezing rain will begin around noon Sunday near the west end of Lake Ontario, spreading eastward throughout the afternoon. Five to 10 millimetres of rain are expected during the day, increasing to 20 to 30 millimetres, along with fog patches, in the evening. The frozen ground is significantly reducing its ability to absorb the rainfall, exacerbating the risk of runoff.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Monday,forecasting wind gusts of 70 to 80 km/h as a strong cold front moves through.Areas affected by freezing rain are particularly vulnerable. the agency warns of potential local utility outages and damage to roofs, fences, branches, and othre soft shelters, recommending that residents secure loose objects.
Environment Canada recommends clearing storm drains of snow and ice, avoiding low-lying areas, and staying away from rivers, creeks, and culverts.
Toronto Pearson International Airport is experiencing flight delays and cancellations. As of Sunday, 11 per cent of departing flights and 25 per cent of arriving flights are delayed. Three per cent of departing flights and seven per cent of arriving flights have been cancelled. Airport officials advise passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow extra travel time.
“We’re monitoring the weather as rain and freezing rain move across the Greater Toronto Area,” Toronto Pearson said in a social media post. “Aircraft departing Pearson today may pass through our Centralized Deicing Facility before takeoff.” Toronto pearson spokesperson Sean Davidson confirmed crews are working to keep runways, taxiways, and aprons safe for operations.
At Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, eight Porter flights have been cancelled and another 12 are delayed. Porter stated that flights are being affected by the ongoing weather conditions, and that they are adding flights where possible to accommodate passengers.
Monday’s Wind Warning
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Monday, forecasting wind gusts of 70 to 80 km/h as a strong cold front moves through. Areas affected by freezing rain are particularly vulnerable. The agency warns of potential local utility outages and damage to roofs, fences, branches, and other soft shelters, recommending that residents secure loose objects.
Environment Canada recommends clearing storm drains of snow and ice, avoiding low-lying areas, and staying away from rivers, creeks, and culverts.