Winter storm to hit Toronto today, travel advisory in place for most of Ontario

(Aanchal Nigam / Red Maple)

A major winter storm is expected to hit Toronto Friday evening as weather advisories are in effect across the city and most of Ontario. 

Environment Canada issued winter storm watch advisories and warnings for central, southern and eastern Ontario. Moreover, some of these areas could record 25 cm of snow along with high speed winds.

Snowfall is expected to begin in Toronto at around 7 p.m., with an expected accumulation of approximately 10 cm within the city limits, as per reports

In contrast, regions situated north of Highway 407 may experience heavier snowfall, potentially reaching 25 cm. 

As the evening progresses, the snow is predicted to transition into rain, according to forecasts by Environment Canada. 

The agency has advised that residents delay any non-essential travel until the weather conditions become more favourable. 

At 10 a.m., Toronto city officials plan to conduct an online briefing regarding their winter weather response strategies. 

Following the storm, the area is expected to experience a significant drop in temperature due to incoming arctic air, potentially leading to an extended period of lake effect snow over the weekend, particularly in areas to the east of the Great Lakes.