A major snowstorm has paralyzed Toronto, forcing the closure of schools and disrupting public transit. City officials warn that clearing roads and sidewalks may take longer than usual due to the heavy snowfall. The Toronto Police Service advises drivers to avoid unnecessary travel and warns of potential towing and ticketing for vehicles parked on snow routes.
Toronto has been significantly impacted by a major snowstorm that dumped nearly 2 dozen centimeters of snow on the city from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning. Residents are facing knee-deep snowdrifts and treacherous road and sidewalk conditions. As a result, several operations, including schools and public transit, have been disrupted.
City Hall declared a 'Major Snowstorm Condition' and 'Significant Weather Event' late Wednesday night, and winter maintenance crews are working tirelessly to clear the snow. However, officials warn that clearing city roads, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes may take longer than usual. Due to this, the city will be exempt from provincial service levels for winter maintenance, as outlined in provincial regulations.Several aspects of Toronto's operations have been affected:- **Flights:** A number of flights departing from both Toronto Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport have been delayed or cancelled since Wednesday evening. The larger hub, Pearson, anticipates an additional 2 to 5 cm of snowfall this morning.- **Transit:** TTC buses are skipping a staggering 56 stops due to the challenging weather conditions. The TTC stated that staff are taking proactive measures to ensure customer and employee safety while providing as much reliable service as possible during this winter storm system. The subway system is experiencing delays and some stations are temporarily closed.- **GO Train:** Many GO train routes are operating on revised schedules to ensure smooth service and prevent snow and ice buildup. This includes routes serving Milton, Kitchener, Stouffville, and Lakeshore West.- **Education:** Multiple school districts and post-secondary institutions in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have cancelled classes and/or closed their campuses entirely. Local colleges like Centennial, George Brown, and Humber have shut down, while Seneca College has moved its lectures online for the day. York University is under weather watch, and although the University of Toronto's downtown campus remains open, its Mississauga (UTM) campus is closed. Classes at its Scarborough location (UTSC), including online sessions, are cancelled until noon, as are all campus events. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Toronto Catholic District School Board, along with public and catholic school boards in York, Durham, Peel, and Halton regions, have declared Thursday a full snow day. Some residents have indicated that the TDSB tends to wait until the last moment to call a snow day.- **Law Enforcement:** The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging drivers to stay off the roads and use alternative transportation. They are reporting an increase in collisions and vehicles stuck in the snow across the region. The OPP recommends motorists utilize MTO's Ontario 511 and Traveller Information Service for up-to-date road conditions.Meanwhile, the Toronto Police Service is warning drivers parked on the roadside that their vehicles may be towed and ticketed. A 'Major Snowstorm Condition' declared by the General Manager of Transportation Services will result in parking restrictions on designated snow route arterial roadways for 72 hours to facilitate snow removal.The Toronto Zoo, renowned for its year-round operation, has closed its gates for Thursday, citing the heavy snow and winter storm forecast as a proactive measure to ensure the safety and well-being of its animals, staff, volunteers, and guests
TORONTO SNOWSTORM TRANSPORTATION SCHOOLS PUBLIC TRANSIT CITY SERVICES SAFETY WEATHER
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