Heavy rainfall ahead of possible white Christmas in the GTA

By News staff

A white Christmas is expected for Toronto and the GTA after a special weather statement was issued for the region by Environment Canada.

The weather agency says there is the potential for heavy rain followed by significant snow early Friday.

Overnight rain is expected to continue into Thursday, becoming heavy at times, with some areas receiving upwards of 25 mm.

By Thursday evening, the rain is expected to transition over to snow as a strong cold front moves through the region.

“Several centimetres of snowfall accumulation will be possible Thursday night through Friday morning, which is Christmas morning,” said Environment Canada.

The weather service is forecasting 5 and 10 cm of snow is possible but just how much snowfall areas will see is uncertain and will depend on the timing of the changeover from rain to snow.

Wind gusts of up to 70 km/h will also be felt in some areas, further hampering the conditions.

“Motorists should be prepared for deteriorating winter driving conditions in areas that receive snow from Thursday evening through Friday morning.”

A number of rainfall warnings have been issued for eastern Ontario, including the Ottawa region, with between 30 to 50 mm expected.

“The frozen ground will have a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall,” says Environment Canada. “Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.”

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