Commuter survival guide: Two-day winter storm nightmare for Ontario
A tricky couple of days shaping up in Ontario for travel, thanks to the inbound winter storm, but with a little extra planning or adjustment, you can avoid the worst time periods. We have the commuting details.
A major storm will arrive Wednesday afternoon and deliver heavy snow, deteriorating road conditions, and major commuter headaches across Ontario.
From the first flakes in southwestern Ontario to a near whiteout in the National Capital Region, this guide will walk you through the worst impacts and help you navigate the storm ahead.
RELATED: Ontario's impressive snow totals prompt widespread warnings
Act 1: Snow moves into southwestern Ontario
Wednesday afternoon and evening: Light snow begins across Windsor, Sarnia, and London, impacting the 401 corridor. By the evening commute, snowfall intensifies, reducing visibility and creating slick conditions on major highways.
Thursday morning: Snow lingers after a period of rain and mixing Wednesday night, but gradually weakens, leading to some improvements for the morning commute. However, untreated roads and slushy roads will still pose a challenge as temperatures fall.
Commuter takeaway: If you have flexibility, leaving earlier on Wednesday could help you avoid the worst conditions. For Thursday morning, be prepared for slippery roads as temperatures fall before gradual improvements late morning.
Act 2: GTA’s most impacted commute as heavy snow takes over
Wednesday evening: Light snow transitions to a steady snowfall. While roads may remain manageable for evening commuters across the eastern Greater Toronto Area (GTA), expect slower travel across the west GTA.
Overnight and early Thursday: Heavy, wet snow blankets much of the GTA, with the worst conditions developing in the QEW and the Gardiner Expressway. Snowfall rates peak, and the combination of poor visibility, and accumulating snow on roads will make travel highly challenging.
Thursday morning: Peak commute impact period. Wet snow slowly tapers, weighing down tree branches while making roads treacherous.
Commuter takeaway: A brutal Thursday morning commute is ahead––consider remote work options. If driving is unavoidable, allow extra time and be ready for delays.
Act 3: A snow day incoming for Ottawa and eastern Ontario?
Wednesday evening: No major issues, yet. Light snow begins but remains manageable east of Peterborough and Cobourg.
Thursday morning: The worst conditions of the entire storm––intense snowfall rates of 2 to 4 an hour.
Snow-covered roads and reduced visibility will make commuting extremely difficult across the entire region, including Kingston, up and down Highway 401, and along Highway 7.
Early Thursday evening: While some clearing occurs, lingering light snow continues for parts of extreme eastern Ontario, including Ottawa.
Commuter takeaway: Ottawa, this is a snow day-level storm. Travel disruptions are expected across the region, with heavy snowfall rates making for a highly disruptive and extra-challenging commute.
Final thoughts
Wednesday afternoon: Southwestern Ontario and the GTA begin to see the impacts, but travel is still possible with proper winter tires and some extra caution.
Thursday morning: The worst commute for most areas, especially the GTA and Eastern Ontario.
Thursday afternoon: Gradual improvements, though eastern Ontario still deals with lingering snowfall.
BOTTOM LINE: If your plans are flexible, delaying non-essential travel on Thursday morning could save you from a stressful and dangerous commute.
Stay safe, stay warm, and check for updates at The Weather Network as the storm unfolds.