Markham residents started Tuesday, Jan. 6, under a freezing rain warning, with icy roads expected for the afternoon commute.
Environment Canada issued a yellow freezing rain warning for southern Ontario from London to Belleville, including the Greater Toronto Area.
Several hours of freezing rain are expected, with one to five millimetres of ice buildup possible.
— Environment Canada warning, as reported by Global News
The precipitation was forecast to begin around midday as patchy freezing drizzle before turning to freezing rain. The warning said roads and walkways could become slippery and local utility outages were possible.
North of the 401 hit harder
Environment Canada meteorologist Steven Flisfeder told CP24 the northern part of the GTA would see worse conditions. All of Markham lies north of Highway 401.
North of the 401 will be more challenging.
— Steven Flisfeder, Environment Canada meteorologist, to CP24
Several crashes were reported on highways and local roads during the afternoon, CP24 reported. Neighbouring Vaughan declared a significant weather event, warning it could take longer than usual to clear its roads, sidewalks and bike lanes.
School buses stayed parked
Both York Region school boards cancelled student transportation for the day while keeping schools open. Boards in Durham and Halton also cancelled buses, as did some routes in Peel.
Snow to follow
The freezing rain was expected to change to snow in the evening. CP24 reported that Toronto could see snow fall at two to five centimetres an hour at times, reducing visibility.
