Toronto Area Hit By Flash Freeze, Multiple Collisions

- Environment Canada had issued a winter storm warning for the Greater Toronto Area ahead of the weather event, predicting a mix of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain. - The storm was expected to have a significant impact on rush hour traffic, with forecasts of up to five to ten centimeters of snow and ice pellets combined. - On February 18, the Ontario Provincial Police reported responding to 160 collisions across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area since 5 a.m. due to the storm. - The hazardous conditions led to widespread school bus cancellations across multiple boards, including in Toronto, Peel, York, and Durham regions, though schools generally remained open. - Several major highways were affected, with closures and multiple collisions reported on Highways 407, 404, and Highway 7 in Pickering. - Accompanying the precipitation were strong easterly winds gusting up to 60 kilometers per hour, which created the potential for power outages due to ice buildup on tree limbs and power lines. - A separate freezing drizzle advisory was issued for Toronto and surrounding areas on the evening of February 21, leading to further icy surfaces and collisions. - The City of Toronto and surrounding regions like York had measures in place for such weather events, including the opening of warming centres for vulnerable populations.