Toronto’s Gardiner, DVP closed as GTA faces blizzard warning

‘Snowmageddon’ grinds region to a halt

Article content

Toronto Police are temporarily closing the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway as the GTA is being hit with the storm of the season.

Article content

Cops say the move is “due to extreme weather and for the safety of drivers.” All ramps will be closed and snowplows moved in to clear the roadways. There are dozens of vehicles trapped because of collisions on the highways.

The closure came into effect at 10:30 a.m. and it was expected to last at least until mid-afternoon for the accumulation to be eased.

Environment Canada has issued a  blizzard warning for the City of Toronto, York, Durham, Halton, Peel, Hamilton, Belleville and Niagara regions. A blizzard is when there is snow and sustained winds of 40 km/h for four hours of more. Up to 50 centimetres of snow is expected in some areas, and the weather agency is warning residents to be cautious given the risk of reduced visibility on the road.

Article content

Ontario Provincial Police say there have been reports of numerous collisions and vehicles stuck on roadways. Drivers are advised to slow down and drive according to the weather conditions.

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt is out on the highways and says snow accumulation on his windshield is blocking his view in mere seconds.

“I can’t see what is happening in front of me,” he said. “Today is the day to work from home.”

Both the TTC and GO Transit are reporting weather-related effects to their transit service and are advising customers to expect delays.

Dozens of flights to and from Pearson airport were also delayed or cancelled Monday morning.

The City of Toronto has also issued an extreme cold weather alert and says all roads are being plowed and liquid brine is being applied on city streets. The storm is expected to wind down by the dinner hour. Another 5 cm of snow is expected on Tuesday.