Heavy snow creates slow and sloppy commute throughout southern Ontario

TORONTO – It’s a slippery and sloppy rush hour across much of southern Ontario due to a steady snowfall rolling westward across the province.

A system that stormed across eastern Ontario last night is now dumping snow across central Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for areas surrounding Toronto – including Halton, Peel, York and Durham Regions – with 15 to 20 centimetres of snow expected.

Snowfall warnings remain in effect for regions near Georgian Bay to the Algonquin and North Bay areas.

Other areas, including Toronto, Waterloo, Hamilton, Niagara, Brantford and Woodstock are under a special weather statement warning of significant snowfall.

Up to 10 centimetres of snow is expected to fall in most of those areas, with higher totals of 10 to 15 centimetres likely over the Niagara peninsula.

The snowfall has cancelled school bus service in some Toronto-area districts, including Peel, Dufferin-Peel and York Region.

Snow in Hamilton, Ontario right now upwards of 5″ possible today. @7FirstAlert @AaronCh7Weather pic.twitter.com/yk0InTcls5

— Noah Yeomans (@NoahYeomans) December 11, 2014

Police report numerous collisions during the morning commute, and are urging motorists to be prepared for a slow drive.

“Remain calm (and) drive on, you will get there,” tweeted Const. Clint Stibbe of Toronto police.

Drivers are warned to expect poor road conditions and gusty winds that could significantly reduce visibility due to blowing snow.

Snow in Toronto! Everyone forget how to drive! (Also:check here for cancellations and delays: http://t.co/Hxkemokohv) pic.twitter.com/yLdjwB3xLb

— National Post (@nationalpost) December 11, 2014

Pearson International Airport says there are some flight delays and cancellations and travellers are asked to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

The snow is forecast to taper off by midday over the Golden Horseshoe and this evening over central and southwestern Ontario.

In Ottawa, where 15 centimetres of snow fell on Wednesday, a man in his 70s was in critical condition in hospital after suffering a heart attack while shovelling the driveway of his west-end home. Neighbours saw the man collapse and called 911.

Yes even in the snow ….we still cycle in Toronto :)) Pic via @mattbeck88 #cycling #cities pic.twitter.com/4OZEQ0S2sP

— SharkDancing (@SharkDancing) December 11, 2014