Temps to reach -10°C with flurries in Toronto, city warns motorists to be prepared
After a mild fall, the first signs of winter may finally be upon us. Environment Canada put forth an advisory warning those in the GTA and Southern Ontario that a cold front coming in from northern Manitoba and the Arctic will cause temperatures to drop drastically Thursday afternoon.
"As this front passes, temperatures will drop below the freezing mark and scattered rain showers will change to flurries," read the advisory. "As a result, untreated surfaces could become icy and slippery."
The Toronto Police Service issued a release Thursday morning in anticipation of the shift in weather, reminding motorists to "drive according to conditions".
"The need to be aware and alert at all times on any road, even in the most routine circumstances, is a key component to moving through traffic safely," stated the release.
As a handy winter driving guide, police are using the acronym WINTER to get across how keep safe on the roads this season.
- W: Windshield washer fluid is full.
- I: Information on current road and weather conditions.
- N: Need to clear snow off your car.
- T: Tire tread checked and tires changed as necessary.
- E: Expect the unexpected.
- R: Reduce your speed.
Areas outside of the city that are affected by the watch includes: Barrie, Orillia, Midland, York, Durham, the Halton and Peel regions, as well as Grey, Bruce, Dufferin, and Lambton counties. The snow squall watch calls for possible snowfall of 15 cm or more in some areas.
If you haven’t done so yet, it is high time to make the switch and get your winter tires installed. We’ll be busting out our skates and hitting up Nathan Phillips Square and admiring the lights in the Distillery District before you know it.