Toronto residents are being warned that a “major” windstorm is on its way that will bring very strong winds and blowing snow on Sunday.
Environment Canada says wind gusts from the storm will be strong enough to blow shingles off roofs, uproot trees and cause power outages.
“It’s going to be a very damaging weather event,” says Peter Kimbell, warning preparedness meteorologist for Environment Canada, based in Ottawa.
The federal weather agency issued a wind warning and blowing snow advisory for Toronto and surrounding regions early Sunday.
“There’s lot of wind in store for much of Southern Ontario,” he added.
Wind could toss loose objects
Very strong winds, with frequent gusts of 100 to 110 km/h, are expected to start around noon. Wind gusts of 120 km/h are said to be likely in areas along the shores of Lake Ontario.
A wind warning remains in place for Toronto. (CBC file photo)
“Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage,” the federal weather agency said in the warning.
Environment Canada said the “damaging” winds are coming in the wake of an Arctic cold front that is expected to pass over the Toronto region.
Winds are expected to continue through the evening and diminish overnight.
Motorists are urged to slow down if road conditions change due to the high winds.
Kimbell said the Niagara region, Prince Edward County and areas close to the northern shores of the Great Lakes are expected to be hardest hit by high winds.
Flurries, winds could reduce visibility later
Poor visibility due to blowing snow, meanwhile, is expected on Sunday afternoon into evening.
The forecast calls for flurries and strong westerly winds, with gusts of 70 to 100 km/h.
“Any fresh snow will be whipped up by the winds, creating near-whiteout conditions at times in blowing snow,” Environment Canada says.
Travel could be hazardous
Because of the possible whiteout conditions, travel could be hazardous and visibility reduced to near zero suddenly, the federal weather agency said.
Travellers are urged to check with airlines for the status of their flights before heading to either Toronto’s Pearson International Airport or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Both airports said early Sunday that weather conditions could affect operations.
The TTC, meanwhile, said trains will run at slower speeds in open areas of the subway.
Conditions are expected to improve early Monday.
Environment Canada Alert: strong winds with gusts 90-110 km/h starting this afternoon continuing into this evening. Secure loose objects that may be tossed by the wind & cause injury or damage. #ONStorm pic.twitter.com/KySu2tVQI4
High wind warning in effect for Toronto. Trains will operate at reduced speeds in open areas of the subway.
We are expecting high winds on Sunday #ONstorm. Crews will be on standby. Help us get the word out on how people can report fallen trees and branches to @311Toronto For more information: https://t.co/SHwYtAnoyN #TOstorm pic.twitter.com/2voBoUm6aJ
On Sunday, 110km winds are expected in Toronto. Emergency Services & @TorontoHydro are monitoring closely. Please stay safe. For electrical emergencies (i.e. downed lines), call Toronto Hydro at 416-542-8000 immediately. If you are unable to reach Toronto Hydro, call 911. pic.twitter.com/EqputQFiVP
In anticipation of high winds this weekend, we’re monitoring weather conditions and are prepared to respond.
Here’s how you can prepare too: https://t.co/wPtqJ81sRh pic.twitter.com/q5RZTTqrgm
from Update Trend News https://ift.tt/2U0HyYV
0 Comments