Southern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), is currently being pounded by a messy winter storm bringing a blend of ice pellets and heavy snow to some regions, while freezing rain is pelting others.
Toronto and the GTA have been placed under a yellow winter storm warning, with areas west of the city facing a freezing rain advisory.
Environment Canada warns of hazardous, icy conditions caused by a mix of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain, impacting the evening commute.
A medley of freezing rain, ice pellets, and snow is anticipated to persist in various parts of the GTA, encompassing Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton.
Toronto is bracing for accumulations of five to 10 centimetres of snow and ice pellets combined.
Northern York and Durham regions might see higher snowfall amounts, with 10-15 centimetres expected.
The western GTHA could be at risk for prolonged freezing rain.
The storm is forecasted to gradually diminish after 8 p.m. on Wednesday, although a possibility of freezing drizzle remains in some areas into the late evening and overnight.
Easterly winds reaching speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour may result in power outages for those experiencing heavy ice buildup, and reduced visibility is anticipated in snow-affected areas.
The storm prompted widespread school bus cancellations in Toronto and the GTHA on Wednesday morning, as multiple boards halted transportation due to the impending freezing rain, snow, and icy conditions during the morning commute.