TORONTO – Travel to and around Toronto and Southern Ontario continue to be impacted by weather. Roads, rail and air travel has been impacted. Environment Canada is stating that although the freezing rain warnings for Toronto have ended, that travel is still being hit.
Even though the main freezing rain event has ended east of Lake Huron to the Greater Toronto area locales can still expect several hours of light freezing drizzle this afternoon. Significant ice accumulation on trees and power lines is creating widespread power outages and downed trees or tree limbs. More than 250,000 customers are without power in the Greater Toronto area alone. Driving conditions on untreated roads are very hazardous as well. Motorists and pedestrians should exercise caution and adjust travel plans accordingly.
Planes:
Pearson International Airport is advising all passengers to check their flight status.
The storm could not have come at a worse time for Pearson. One of the busiest travel weeks of the year has begun at Toronto Pearson. The Pearson Airport had over 115,000 passengers on Friday, the busiest day of this year’s holiday travel season. More than 2 million passengers will travel through Toronto Pearson during the three weeks surrounding Christmas.
Westjet states, “We advise all guests travelling to or from these cities between December 20 and December 22, 2013 to check the status of their flights prior to leaving for the airport.
Additional updates will be posted as they are available.
WestJet (air only) guests who wish to make alternate flight arrangements may do so without penalty (based on availability) by calling 1-888-937-8538 (1-888-WESTJET).
Air Canada at both Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Ontario (YTZ) and Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) are experiencing delays.
Air Canada and Air Canada Express advise that flights to, from or connecting through the airport(s) listed may be delayed or cancelled due to the event described.
More information on re-booking policies for anticipated flight delays and cancellations.
Air Canada is monitoring the situation closely and is working to get you on your way safely and as quickly as possible.
Trains
Toronto Transit Impacted
Due to last night’s winter storm, the TTC is experiencing a number of delays.
Yonge-University-Spadina line:
– No subway service from Bloor to Eglinton stations due to a tree blocking the tracks. As well, trains are bypassing Rosedale, York Mills and North York Centre stations due to power related issues. Shuttle buses are running.
Bloor-Danforth line:
– No subway service from Victoria Park to Warden stations due to a tree blocking the tracks. Shuttle buses are running.
Sheppard line:
– No subway service due to power related issues affecting the signal system. Shuttle buses are running
Scarborough Rapid Transit line:
– No train service on the Scarborough Rapid Transit line due to tree branches blocking the tracks. Shuttle buses are running.
Streetcar network:
– No streetcar service due to ice on the overhead wires. Shuttle buses are operating every 15 minutes.
The TTC has storm cars working to remove ice from the streetcar overhead wires, as additional crews work to restore and maintain service on all subway lines and the Scarborough Rapid Transit line.
Customers can view service updates at www.ttc.ca, by registering for TTC e-Services, or by following @TTCnotices on Twitter.
VIA Rail – No Cancellations
VIA Rail Canada (viarail.ca) wishes to inform its passengers the Corporation continues to operate according to its regular schedule in the Québec City – Windsor corridor, in Western Canada and in the Maritimes, some delays caused by the weather may be expected. However no cancellations are foreseen. VIA Rail encourages Canadians to use caution when travelling.
However, due to challenging winter weather conditions, train delays are to be expected for its services between:
– Toronto and Montreal in both directions,
– Toronto and Ottawa in both directions;
– Halifax- Montreal (train 14);
– Toronto – New-York (train 97).
During this very busy period of the year, where customers want to reunite with families and friends, VIA Rail encourages travellers to consult our train schedules onour website at viarail.ca or call 1-888-VIA RAIL (1-888-842-7245) or 1 800 268 9503 (ATS for the hearing impaired).
Arrival and departure status information is available online for the Québec City – Windsor corridor at Reservia.VIARail.ca. Information about the schedules will be updated when necessary on VIA Rail’s Facebook and Twitter pages @VIA_rail.
Automobiles
Road conditions in Southern Ontario are brutal. “Only travel if you have to, but if you are on the roadways be very, very aware that you are dealing with ice you may not be able to see and it’s going to decrease your stopping distance greatly,” states OPP Const. Graham Williamson.
