Five things to know about the winter storm that walloped southern Ontario
Digital Reporter
Monday, February 2, 2015, 2:05 PM - A major winter storm originating in Colorado tracked south of the lower Great Lakes, bringing widespread heavy snow and intense winds to southern Ontario Sunday night.
Though the worst of the storm has passed, remnants of the storm will impact parts of southern and southeastern Ontario for the rest of the day.
The Monday evening commute should be relatively easy compared, but roadways are expected to remain slippery. Windy conditions could result in reduced visibility. Motorists are being advised to leave extra time and drive according to the conditions.
Here's a recap of the latest storm to sweep southern Ontario.
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Snowfall totals
Environment Canada released the following snowfall totals Monday morning, with Windsor topping the list. Some totals are quoted in ranges, as amounts were difficult to record on account of gusty winds.
- Windsor Airport: 37 cm
- Oakville: 30 cm
- St. Catharines: 27 cm
- Grimsby: 25 cm
- Toronto: 22 cm
- London Airport: 21 cm
- Kitchener: 20-30 cm
- Waterloo: 20-30 cm
- Mississauga: 20-25 cm
- Brampton: 20-25 cm
- Hamilton Airport: 20 cm
- Hamilton Mountain: 25-35 cm
Blizzard conditions were reported in the Hamilton, Burlington and northern Niagara regions as strong, gusty winds off Lake Ontario reduced visibilities to less than 500 metres.
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Road conditions
The morning commute was a treacherous task for those drivers that dared to venture out.
Heavy snowfall Sunday evening and overnight buried roads, to the point that snowplows had difficulty keeping up with snow removal.
The combination of snow and frigid temperatures made for slippery roads and highways. Authorities urged people to stay home and avoid travel throughout the day.
Snow began to ease in most areas by the late Monday morning. Wind gusts have also subsided, but still present a risk of blowing snow and reduced visibility on the roads.
Overnight parking bans are in place in Chatham-Kent and Kitchener in order to allow for excess snow removal.
Traffic continues to move, but slowly, already over 200 collisions this morning. pic.twitter.com/Ky6YR1mRCL
— Ontario Prov Police (@OPP_GTATraffic) February 2, 2015
School closures
Despite terrible driving conditions and a slew of accidents, the winter storm was cause to celebrate for schoolchildren across the province.
Multiple school boards declared Monday an official 'snow day,' cancelling buses, closing schools and offices.
Many university and college campuses also cancelled classes on account of severe weather.
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Travel plans disrupted
As this storm system tracks east, it has impacted hundreds of flights in its path -- from southern Ontario to Atlantic Canada.
Flight delays and cancellations began on Sunday. By Monday morning, more than 200 flights had been cancelled or delayed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, and dozens more at Billy Bishop Airport.
This morning's view on the Terminal 3 apron. Delays and cancellations expected throughout the day. #safetyfirst pic.twitter.com/dcedPs2OLf
— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) February 2, 2015
What happens next
Winter storm warnings were dropped as of 11 a.m. Winds are expected to ease throughout the day, while temperatures remain cold.
Blowing snow advisories remain active in parts of southeastern Ontario as the storm system passes through the Ottawa region and into Quebec.
Southern Ontario will see a brief break from falling snow for about a day -- before a clipper moves in with flurries on Wednesday.
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