A strong winter storm is wreaking havoc on road conditions in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) today, leading to hazardous driving situations. The heavy snowfall and black ice are causing multiple highway closures, incidents of jack-knifed transport trucks, and a surge in collisions along major routes.
Authorities, including Toronto police and the OPP, are strongly advising drivers to avoid unnecessary travel as visibility, traction, and commuting times are rapidly deteriorating due to the storm.
One of the hardest-hit areas in the morning chaos is the Don Valley Parkway, where the southbound lanes are shut down at Eglinton Avenue, preventing access to the Gardiner Expressway. This closure was prompted by a series of minor accidents, reports of black ice, and the necessity to clear the road for snowplows from the City of Toronto.
Meanwhile, in Halton, the OPP has closed ramps from Highway 403 to Highway 6 northbound at the Hamilton-Burlington border due to a major obstruction at Clappison Hill. Tractor-trailers are struggling to navigate the snowy hill, rendering the roadway impassable. Plowing crews are on their way, but drivers are advised to steer clear of the area.
The first notable highway closure occurred before dawn, with the westbound collector ramp at Kennedy Road on Highway 401 in Scarborough shut down after a tractor-trailer jack-knifed, causing a roadblock. Motorists were encouraged to seek alternative routes until the scene was cleared.
With the storm continuing to impact travel, Toronto police emphasize the importance of driving cautiously, maintaining safe distances, adjusting speed to match road conditions, and allowing for extra travel time.
Keyphrase: winter storm Toronto