Toronto under extreme cold weather alert heading into Boxing Day - Action News
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Toronto

Toronto under extreme cold weather alert heading into Boxing Day

It may look like a winter wonderland outside, but you may want to bundle up if you want to enjoy the snow this Christmas as the City of Toronto has issued an extreme cold weather alert.

Environment Canada says windchill of up to -25 expected Monday night

Environment Canada is predicting an extremely cold week for Toronto with a low of 20 C and a windchill value of 29 C in the forecast for Wednesday. (Martin Trainor/CBC)

It may look like a winter wonderlandoutside, but you may want to bundle up if you want to enjoy the snow this Christmas theCity of Toronto has issuedan extreme cold weather alert.

Extreme cold weather alerts are typically issued when temperatures reach -15C or colderor a wind chill of -20C or colder.

Environment Canada predicts a dip to -14 C tonight with a windchill of up to -25. The national weather agency says brisk westerly winds are expected tocauseblowing snow with exposed areas being particularly vulnerable.

The agency alsosays people on the roads should adjust their driving when visibility is reduced in blowing snow.

Flights affected

Snow began blanketing the GTA Sunday afternoon withPearson International Airport urgingpassengers to check their flight status before heading out and to take extra time getting to the airport due to thesnowfall.

The airport anticipated flight delays and cancellations,but was fully staffed withsnow removal and de-icing crewsto ensure operations ran smoothly.

The airport said Monday thatthe winter weather is affecting flights and is continuing to ask passengers to check their flight status online.
An Air Canada plane on the tarmac amid snow at Toronto's Pearson Airport. The airport says the winter weather is affecting flights this morning. (Jonathan Castell/CBC)

If driving, take itslow

The city is also asking for motorists to go slowly in the snow.

"Take your time and give yourself extra time to get where you are going," Mark Mills, superintendent of road operations for the City of Toronto said. "Be mindful of our winter maintenance equipment. If you see it out there, it's there to help. Please give us the time and space necessary."

He also urged drivers to be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists.
Crews will salt expressways and major arterial roads once the snow starts to stick. Once two to five centimetres has accumulated, the city will plow expressways. After five centimetres, it will work on major arterial roads and streetcar routes. And after eight centimetres, it will plow local roads. (Tony Smyth/CBC)

Crews will salt expressways and major arterial roads. After two to five centimetres has accumulated, the city will plow expressways. After five centimetres, it will work on major arterial roads and streetcar routes. And after eight centimetres, it will plow local roads.