Ice Advisory: Several GTA Locations

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Post on Dec 16, 2024

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Ice Advisory: Several GTA Locations Experiencing Hazardous Conditions

Stay safe and informed! Several locations across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are currently experiencing hazardous icy conditions due to a recent period of freezing rain. This advisory urges residents to exercise extreme caution while traveling and engaging in outdoor activities.

Affected Areas & Current Conditions

The following areas within the GTA are currently reporting significant ice buildup:

• Downtown Toronto: Sidewalks and roads are particularly slick in the downtown core. Pedestrian traffic is advised to proceed with extreme caution.
• North York: Significant ice accumulation is reported on bridges and overpasses in North York, creating hazardous driving conditions.
• Scarborough: Icy patches are prevalent throughout Scarborough, especially in residential areas and on less-traveled roads.
• Mississauga: Reports of black ice are coming in from various parts of Mississauga, making driving conditions treacherous.
• Brampton: Similar to Mississauga, Brampton is experiencing patches of black ice, particularly on highways and major roadways.

What is Black Ice?

Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice that is extremely difficult to see. It forms when freezing rain or drizzle falls on a surface that is below freezing. Its near-invisibility makes it particularly dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Safety Precautions & Recommendations

Given the current hazardous conditions, we strongly recommend the following:

• Driving: Avoid unnecessary travel. If you must drive, reduce your speed significantly, increase your following distance, and ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires. Be extra cautious on bridges and overpasses, where ice tends to form first.
• Walking: Wear appropriate footwear with good traction. Walk slowly and carefully, paying close attention to your footing. Avoid walking on icy surfaces if possible.
• Public Transportation: Consider using public transportation as a safer alternative to driving in these conditions.
• Stay Informed: Monitor weather reports and advisories for updates on the situation. Check road conditions before embarking on any journey.

Tips for Driving on Icy Roads

• Gentle Acceleration & Braking: Avoid sudden movements that could cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Steering: Steer smoothly and avoid sharp turns.
• Increased Following Distance: Maintain a significantly larger following distance than usual to allow for extra braking time.
• Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, warm clothing, food, and water.

When Will Conditions Improve?

According to the latest weather forecasts, temperatures are expected to rise gradually throughout the day, leading to a melting of the ice. However, improvements in road conditions are expected to be slow. We encourage residents to continue exercising caution even as temperatures rise.

This is an evolving situation. Please continue to check local news and weather reports for the latest updates and safety information. Your safety is our priority. Stay safe!