GTA remains under yellow winter storm warning for ‘wintry mix of snow, ice pellets’: Environment Canada

The Greater Toronto Area remains under a yellow winter storm warning Wednesday morning, with a "wintry mix" of snow, freezing rain and ice pellets expected for the region. 

Environment Canada’s alert says the mix may cause icy and slippery conditions. A low pressure system could bring the region up to five centimetres of snow and ice pellet amounts through Wednesday.

The federal weather agency added areas predominantly west of Toronto could face multiple hours of freezing rain and ice buildup. Burlington and Oakville, specifically, could see ice build-up of three to seven centimetres.

“Even a few centimetres of ice pellets can result in travel conditions that can be more hazardous than heavy snowfalls,” the warning said. “Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate.”

Environment Canada recommends preparing for quickly, and deteriorating, travel conditions and allowing adequate time for travel.

Environment Canada operational meteorologist Mark Schuster says the worst of the conditions will likely set in after 8 a.m., when temperatures are set to fall to near the freezing mark.

"Conditions should start to go downhill pretty quickly," he told CBC Toronto on Wednesday. "Regardless of the type of precipitation that falls, it's going to be hazardous."

Those west of Toronto may see as much as five milimetres of ice accretion on trees and power lines, Schuster said. But he added much of the GTA will see a mix of snow and ice pellets, with winds gusting up to 50 or 60 km/h.

"I know that five centimeters does not sound like a lot, but with ice pellets, even a few centimeters can be very tricky to drive through and certainly very difficult to shovel," he said.

Those northeast of Toronto, including Barrie and Durham Region, may see as much as 15 centimetres of snow today, Schuster said.

"Ideally, if you don't have to travel today, it's a good day to just stay at home," he said.

"But if you do have to travel, definitely give yourself some extra time. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. And for sure, make sure your head lighting system is on and clear your vehicle of any snow and ice pellets before heading out."

In a post to social media Wednesday morning, the Toronto District School Board said schools will remain open. School buses, however, will be cancelled due to weather-related delays.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board also posted to social media, noting schools will remain open but all school buses are cancelled due to expected freezing rain and icy road conditions.