TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for Toronto with a major ice storm likely Saturday evening into Sunday morning.
City of Toronto salt trucks have been out since midnight this morning salting roads. They've also been salting sidewalks where it is mechanically possible to do so. The City anticipates that additional rounds of salting will be required this evening and overnight as temperatures drop below zero with incoming freezing rain.
The City of Toronto encourages residents and businesses to take precautionary steps to protect their property and ensure their safety. Heavy ice can contribute to flooding and downed trees and power lines. Residents are advised to stay away from downed wires and trees that may have an electrical charge. For the most up-to-date weather information, visit Environment Canada's website at http://weather.gc.ca/index_e.html.
Winter storms such as ice storms may create hazardous conditions and cause power disruptions. Being prepared for severe weather can help minimize your risk of injury. During an ice storm, the public are reminded to:
- Try to keep children and pets indoors and consider working from home
- Take public transport and avoid driving if possible. If it is necessary to drive, residents are reminded to do so cautiously and slowly. Keep your car's tank half full at all times.
- Please clear the area around catchbasins. This helps prevent flooding on the roadway.
- Please use salt on sidewalks to make them safer for pedestrians.
- Please offer to help elderly neighbours or those individuals who may need some assistance.
- Pick up any critical medications prior to the storm.
Residents are reminded that 911 is for emergencies only, including downed power lines. For all other incidents where police are required, call the non-emergency number at 416-808-2222.
Call 311, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to report flooded or damaged expressways, non-working traffic signals, other road and sidewalk problems as well as damaged trees on City property.
For updates during an emergency event and other City of Toronto information, follow @TorontoComms on Twitter.
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.
SOURCE: City of Toronto
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Media contact: Deborah Brown, Manager of Communications Planning and Research, Strategic Communications, 416-919-6501, [email protected]
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