PHOTOS: Potent winter storm takes major toll on Ontario
A messy and potent winter storm has taken quite the toll across parts of southern Ontario.
Much of southern Ontario experienced almost all seasons throughout the duration of Thursday, as a potent storm system brought everything from flooding rains, to ice pellets, and plunging temperatures with heavy snow. As the system punched its way through the region, it took quite the toll in terms of impacts, with significant clean-up now ahead for many.
Between 30-50+ mm of rain fell first, flooding several roads, major highways and even a GO train station for the Thursday morning commute.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority issued a flood warning, stating that the water levels on all of its watersheds were running fast and high.
"All rivers and streams within the GTA should be considered dangerous as the weather conditions will result in higher water levels, fast flowing water and slippery or unstable banks," the warning said, which was expected to remain in effect through Friday.
The City of Brampton endured some of the worst of the flooding, with Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown tweeting that close to 100 homes in the Churchville neighbourhood had been significantly damaged. Residents in the area were under a mandatory evacuation on Thursday, after ice jams along the Credit River caused water to overflow.
According to Brampton Fire Chief Bill Boyes, at one point, the water surrounding the homes was about six feet deep.
Rescue boats traveled door to door to safely evacuate residents impacted. Officials haven't given a timeline yet on when residents will be able to return home.
WATCH | IT WAS 'A VERY WILD DAY' SAYS TWN STORM CHASER:
As temperatures plunged and the precipitation changed over to snow, road conditions quickly deteriorated through the Thursday evening commute.
OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said police responded to roughly 200 collisions and one fatality across the GTA through the overnight hours.
A widespread 10-20 cm of snow fell by Friday morning prompting several school bus cancellations and some school closures as well. Travel will remain tricky through the start of the weekend as winds pick up and some additional snowfall spreads through.
FORECAST: Brace for dangerous whiteouts in Ontario as winds pick up, more snow pushes in
Here's a closer look at the damaging impacts of this potent February storm system: