Saturday, February 21, 2015

HUNDREDS OF CRASHES AS SNOWSTORM SURPRISES GREATER TORONTO AREA DRIVERS





FEBRUARY 21, 2015

TORONTO, CANADA

Drivers were caught off guard Saturday as a storm dumped several centimetres (1 inch = 2.54 centimeters)of snow on GTA roads.

One of two City of Toronto collision reporting centres had a four-hour wait on Saturday afternoon due to a high number of crashes.

Police in York Region, north of the city, also reported a high number of collisions: 135 since 6 a.m. They warned drivers in a tweet not to be “number 136.”

“Our officers have been dealing with 135 vehicle collisions since 6am. Adjust your driving for the weather so you don't become number 136.”


Meanwhile police in Peel Region, west of the city, reported 160 collisions and also asked drivers to be cautious.

“We have had approximately 160 motor vehicle collisions today. Please drive according to the weather and road conditions. #besafe


A tow truck driver called the slippery conditions “a disaster.”
“Don’t drive. Stay home. That’s the best advice I can give you,” he said.
Many who tried to drive ended up stuck in traffic.

The QEW was partially shut down for a few hours after several vehicles, including a bus, collided near the Burlington Skyway bridge.

A 40-year-old bus driver and two 45-year-olds were taken to hospitals as a result. All three have non-life-threatening injuries.

Things started to improve after noon, as plows began clearing major city roads and highways.

Plowing of local streets and sidewalks is expected to begin overnight, according to the City of Toronto.

Toronto Pearson International Airport warned on its website that “snow may affect operations on Saturday,” but, as of the dinner hour, only about four per cent of flights had been cancelled.



Environment Canada predicts the heavy snow will end Saturday evening, but flurries could continue overnight.

Sunday could also bring a few flurries, according to the federal weather agency. A high of -3 C is expected.