Toronto and the GTA are under a winter weather travel advisory ahead of a system expected to bring upwards of 15 cm of snow to the region.
Environment Canada says the fast-moving low-pressure system is expected to arrive Saturday afternoon, creating hazardous driving conditions for drivers in some areas.
“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow,” the weather agency said.
For Toronto, flurries are forecasted to begin between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. with the heaviest snowfall around 9 p.m. before it tapers off early Sunday morning.
Toronto officials say they will be out salting the roads when the snow begins to stick to the payment and plows will be sent out once accumulation reaches 2.5 cm on expressways and 5 cm on major roads and transit routes.
TTC officials say they will closely monitor 56 bus stops which are known for being particularly vulnerable during snow and freezing rain events. The TTC says it is deploying additional staff and maintenance vehicles to address any weather-related disruptions when it comes to signals, switches and overhead wires.
Mississauga and Brampton are also under the travel advisory while a snowfall warning has been issued for Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton.
“A narrow band of lake-enhanced snow may develop off Lake Ontario impacting the area overnight. This may lead to snowfall amounts approaching 20 cm,” said Environment Canada.
