Southern Ontario hit by intense winter storm with thundersnow and heavy snowfall, Canada

An intense winter storm roared through southern Ontario on Friday night, March 3, 2023, bringing heavy snowfall, thundersnow, and howling wind gusts. Despite spring being just a few weeks away, the storm resulted in dangerous travel, scattered power outages, and flight disruptions.

Southern Ontario was hit by one of the region’s biggest snowfall events of the season on Friday night into Saturday morning, resulting in dangerous travel and scattered power outages. The intense winter storm brought strong wind gusts, thundersnow, and significant snowfall amounts, which lasted through the early morning hours on Saturday.

The storm was characterized by snowfall rates of over 5 cm (2 inches) per hour) and wind gusts of 60 – 70+ km/h (37 – 43+ mph), leading to travel warnings and power outages in several areas. The southern regions of the area were hit the hardest, and the storm lingered into the afternoon for eastern sections.

Flight delays and cancellations were also experienced as the high winds and heavy snowfall blanketed the region. Thundersnow was also reported in many areas experiencing the most intense snowfall rates.

As of Saturday evening, significant snowfall totals have been reported in several locales. Scarborough and Orangeville have seen the highest snowfall amounts, with 32 cm (12.6 inches) reported, followed by 31 cm (12.2 inches) at Trenton airport, 30 cm (11.8 inches) in Vaughan, and Newmarket, 29 cm (11.4 inches) in North York, 27 cm (10.6 inches) in Waterloo, and 24 cm (9.4 inches) at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.

While this notable snowfall event has passed, southern Ontario is now bracing for another round of snow to start the new week.

The new snowfall is not expected to be as severe as the previous winter storm, but travel is still expected to be impacted through Monday across southern Ontario, particularly in the west end of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and towards the southwest.

The new snowfall may cause further difficulties for commuters and residents who are already dealing with the aftermath of the storm. To stay safe, residents are advised to be cautious while driving, avoid unnecessary travel if possible, and prepare for possible disruptions to transportation and daily activities.

References:

¹ Winter storm illuminates skies and buries rads in Ontario – The Weather Network – March 4/5, 2023

² More snow sneaking into southern Ontario following last week’s winter storm – The Weather Network – March 5, 2023

Featured image credit: Global News (stillshot)