Motorists are being reminded to drive with caution as a winter storm brings a mix of rain and snow to Ontario on Tuesday.
Police are urging motorists to slow down, leave extra space between vehicles and give themselves extra time to arrive at their destination because it will likely be a slow and slippery commute.
Several crashes were reported during the morning commute as the weather conditions changed in the GTA, said Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Dave Woodford.
Environment Canada is predicting a high of 3 C for Toronto on Tuesday, but rain will be mixed with wet snow before changing over to flurries through the afternoon and evening.
In a special weather statement, Environment Canada said a winter storm tracking into northeastern Ontario near Sault Ste. Marie is dragging a strong Arctic cold front east.
The storm is bringing a mixed bag of weather to Ontario.
In advance of the cold front, milder air is paying a brief visit closer to the Great Lakes, with precipitation falling as rain or a rain-wet snow mix before changing to flurries, Environment Canada said.
West of the Niagara Escarpment, the air mass cooled off quickly, bringing as much as 5 centimetres of snow to Waterloo Region and Dufferin County.
To the north and east of the GTA, several centimetres of snow is likely.
Snow squalls are possible to the southeast of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Lake-effect snow bands may extend as far inland as the northern parts of the GTA, London and Woodstock, Environment Canada said.
Near the east end of Lake Erie, including Niagara Region, wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres-per-hour are expected.
According to the special weather statement, blowing snow will reduce visibility in open areas, making driving conditions hazardous at times.
@ChrisKitching is on Twitter. For instant breaking news, follow @CP24 on Twitter.
