Heavy snow piles up in northern Ontario, strong winds and wet flurries hit the GTA

Tuesday, November 19, 2013, 8:22 AM -

WIND

Wicked winds whipped through southern Ontario Sunday night resulting in downed trees and several power outages.

Wind warnings gradually dropped throughout the day on Monday as crews worked to restore power to over 100,000 customers. 

As of Tuesday morning, Hydro One said around 15,000 homes and businesses, many in cottage country north of Toronto, were still without power since Sunday's storm.

SNOW

Light, patchy snow was reported across southern Ontario Monday evening, prompting Environment Canada to issue a special weather statement for a large swath of the region, including the City of Toronto. 

While no accumulations were expected, the light band of flurries slowed traffic on the roads. 

Much heavier snow has been falling for areas further north, prompting snowfall warnings from Kapuskasing to Little Abitibi through Monday night. 

"Local blowing snow is also possible with this system resulting in reduced visibilities in exposed areas," said Environment Canada in the warning. "The snow will start to taper off from west to east tonight as the system moves toward northwestern Quebec."

Over 30 cm of snow piled up in Sioux Lookout, while places like Kenora and Pickle Lake saw closer to 20 cm. 

Conditions are expected to improve on Wednesday and the snowfall warnings have been lifted. 

HAD ENOUGH OF WINTER?

The official start to the season is still over a month away, but some Canadians say they're already sick of the winter-like weather. 

The Weather Network's newest Ottawa reporter is protesting winter. Join the conversation and tweet @arda_ocal using the hashtag #NOMOREWINTER.