Torontonians should brace for another deluge of snow this weekend, only days after a winter storm covered the city and surrounding area in more than 20 centimetres of snow.
As the city and locals continue to dig out from Wednesday's snow storm, officials have warned another 15 to 30 centimetres of snow is possible over Saturday and Sunday. Between this storm and the one earlier in the week, the City of Toronto said snow accumulations are expected to reach over 50 centimetres.
The Weather Network reported "confidence is high" that the snow will indeed fall in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area over the Family Day weekend, with greater impact on Sunday.
Frigid, Arctic air is also expected to blow into the region this weekend, keeping temperatures low and snow from fully melting.
Snowfall is forecast to begin in the early hours of Saturday morning and is expected to continue throughout the day.
More significant snowfall is forecast for Sunday, with the Weather Network anticipating between 2 and 3 centimetres per hour throughout the day.
Environment Canada said residents should avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
Locals getting behind the wheel this weekend should check weather alerts and exercise caution. Road conditions are expected to be poor during the snow storm.
Snowfall is expected to stop by Monday morning.
Wednesday's snowfall was a record high for Toronto this year. With more flurries expected this weekend, Pearson Airport said their officials are closely monitoring the forecast and working with airport partners in an attempt to ensure smooth operation.
In a statement released Friday, the City of Toronto said staff and contractors are working 24-7 to clear snow from roads, sidewalks and bikeways ahead of further anticipated snowfall.
If needed, the city said it will begin snow removal on Monday, transporting snow by dump trucks to designated storage sites rather than simply plowing streets.
Parking restrictions on designated snow routes throughout the city remain in effect.
Toronto's snow routes are designated with signage. A map of the routes is available online.
Warming centres across the city will remain open this weekend, providing respite space, meals and emergency shelter to those in need.
The city is now accepting 311 service requests for snow clean-up. Residents can submit requests by calling 311 or submitting one via the city’s website or app.
