Alberta clipper dumps heavy, wet snow on GTA, Southern Ontario

An Alberta clipper has created scenes of a winter wonderland in Toronto and the rest of Southern Ontario and made travel for commuters on snowy and slushy roads Wednesday morning was an absolute mess.

Snow began to fall in the overnight hours Wednesday as Environment Canada continued its snowfall warning into the morning.

“The snow is expected to taper to scattered flurries or drizzle from southwest to northeast this afternoon,” says the Environment Canada advisory. “Lesser snowfall amounts are expected near the Lake Ontario shore where a transition to rain or rain snow mix is expected.”

Road conditions were slippery for many drivers as Ontario Provincial Police said approximately 80 collisions occurred in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area since 5 a.m. Police said there were no serious injuries.

The OPP’s Highway Safety Division also reminded highway commuters to stay behind snow plow operations as it is illegal to pass while multiple lanes are being cleared.

“Travel will likely be challenging,” Environment Canada said. “Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic. Visibility will likely be reduced at times.

“Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Allow extra time for travel.”

In Toronto, one area of the city reportedly received at least 10 centimetres of snow throughout the morning, and 17 centimetres total since Tuesday, according to local weather enthusiasts Forecast Office Toronto.

North of the city, a Bradford resident shared images to social media of the thick accumulation of the white stuff outside their home as snow squalls are expected for Simcoe County, including Barrie and Wasaga Beach, for Wednesday night through Thursday.

A snow squall alert said local snowfall amounts could range from 30 to 50 centimetres and warned of significantly reduced visibility in heavy snow and local blowing snow.

“Consider rescheduling travel and outdoor activities,” Environment Canada said. “Prepare for possible disruptions to transportation, services, and utilities.”

In Kitchener, Rob Kuhn, a meteorologist with Environment Canada’s Ontario Storm Prediction Centre, measured 16 centimetres of fresh snow had landed in the city.