Don’t be fooled by those balmy temperatures right now. It is still winter, and we are about to experience temperature whiplash that will have an impact on the transportation network. The good news is that the Roads and Parking Services team is ready to respond!
Forecast and conditions
Rain showers are expected to transition to snow tonight around midnight, with 5 to 10 centimetres of snow possible by morning. Overnight temperatures are forecast to fall to minus 8, with wind gusts reaching 50 kilometres per hour, making it feel closer to minus 15 with the wind chill. That’s a temperature drop of nearly 20 degrees in just 12 hours.
The fluctuating temperatures and various forms of precipitation could create icy and slippery conditions - residents are reminded to exercise caution while out walking, driving or cycling.
Our response
The Roads and Parking Services team is ready! Supervisors will be out this evening and overnight to monitor the conditions of the transportation network keeping a close eye on sidewalks, roads, and the winter cycling network. Once the temperature starts to drop, crews will be deployed to treat icy conditions. With all the rain the city has already received today, we will also monitor areas that are prone to localized flooding and address any water pooling by ensuring catch basins and ditches are open and able to take in water.
Ahead of the temperature drop, we are asking anyone who can, to please ensure their local catch basin is clear and able to take in water. With over 100,000 catch basins in the city, we can’t do it alone and would appreciate any support you can offer.
Find your nearest catch basin using our catch basin locator map. Need to report a blocked catch basin? Let us know!
Next steps
Our focus this evening will be on addressing localized drainage issues and once the temperature starts to drop, crews will be out treating the transportation network.
