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Prepare for another slow commute Thursday after Ontario’s heavy snow

Prepare for another slow commute Thursday after Ontario’s heavy snow
Prepare for another slow commute Thursday after Ontario’s heavy snow

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We’re in the midst of the season’s heaviest snowfall for parts of southern Ontario this week as a bulky winter storm stretches across the area.

Widespread snowfall warnings remain in effect overnight as heavy, sticky snows combine with gusty winds to make for treacherous travel throughout the region into Thursday morning. Poor visibility and whiteout conditions are possible at times.


PHOTOS: Blast of heavy, wet snow coats Ontario like wintry cement


Heightened caution is warranted in any wintry conditions, but use extreme caution when approaching intersections as this wet snow can stick to and obscure stop signs and yield signs, adding an extra layer of danger to travel in this storm.

This won't be the end of it, either, as several wintry storm systems are expected to follow soon after, bringing more snow and colder temperatures back into the region as we close out the month.

RELATED: What has derailed so many southern Ontario storms this winter

Snow continues, dicey commute again Thursday morning

Snowfall rates intensified in a hurry through Wednesday afternoon as the core of the storm pushed over southern Ontario.

The foul conditions snarled the evening commute, contributing to dozens of accidents across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and slowing traffic to a crawl on just about every major thoroughfare in the region.

WATCH: See what this snowy day brought to the GTA and beyond

Click here to view the video

Snow will continue overnight before gradually tapering off to flurries from west to east by Thursday morning.

ONThuAM
ONThuAM

While the worst snow will have diminished by the morning commute in the GTA, slippery roads and untreated/unplowed side roads may cause more headaches again on Thursday.

"Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in its snowfall warning. "There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas. Take frequent breaks and avoid strain when clearing snow."

Snow will reach its peak intensity in the National Capital Region during the overnight hours Wednesday into early Thursday. Commuters will still have to deal with snow during the Thursday morning commute, but snowfall rates will slow down through the morning hours.

ONSnow
ONSnow

In all, snowfall accumulations of 10-25 cm are possible in the hardest hit areas, with the potential for locally higher amounts.

Winds will lighten up overnight, as well, but gusts of 30-50 km/h will continue into Thursday.

More rounds of snow are soon to follow

An active pattern locked into place will allow for several more opportunities for snow in Ontario heading through next week.

Another round of snow is in the forecast late Friday into Saturday morning, with a more widespread snowfall possible Sunday through Monday. While there’s lower confidence in the forecast this far out, the storm at the end of the weekend isn’t expected to be a major event.

This wintry setup will remain locked in place for the final days of January and into early February, with an active setup expected to continue as we march through the heart of winter.

Check back in with The Weather Network for updates on the forecast for Ontario.