Where to stay in winter in the Toronto area

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CNN’s Autumn Payne will be updating this story throughout the day

It’s not usually the kind of thing you mention in the morning’s TV news reports. But a snow storm is in the forecast for the Toronto area.

The first big snow of the season is expected to blanket Toronto and surrounding areas, bringing the usual snow and wind gusts that accompany the move to cooler temperatures. The storm, forecast to hit Tuesday, will track across eastern Ontario and the GTA region, according to the Canadian weather service, before it dissipates. But a heavy dumping of snow is expected in Toronto Tuesday night.

A wide swath of northern and central Ontario is expected to see snow. Environment Canada warns the forecast snowfall may be accompanied by strong winds and blizzard conditions.

Crews across the region were preparing roads and bridges for snowfall, with weather conditions expected to intensify Tuesday.

Airport officials were also preparing for potential travel delays, making sure infrastructure was in good shape for the snow.

Toronto officials echoed that concern, with Mayor John Tory asking residents to “shelter in place” if they had not already.

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The GTA is home to 1.8 million people and contains two international airports in Toronto: Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

“While we can’t control weather, we can help motorists stay safe, prepare our roads and bridges and minimize any delays,” said Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca in a statement.

Uber said it is urging its drivers to make alternate routes to avoid the city.

“Hundreds of Canadian and international travelers, and many private auto drivers rely on Uber for a ride,” said John Zimmer, president of Uber Canada, in a statement. “We’re working to protect their rights and ensure they have an open line of communication with us if a large and sudden storm disrupts their commute.”

Amanda Mcbride, CEO of the Canadian Automobile Association, issued a warning, urging people to use online resources to find out about road conditions and stay informed about upcoming delays.

Amanda Conklin, Ontario Minister of Transportation, said in a statement that the roads are “ready for winter weather.”

City officials are monitoring the storm, with the Toronto Public Works Department announcing last week that it has 10 salt spreaders deployed around the city.

Snowfall could begin falling this evening, as temperatures begin dropping ahead of the new storm. Read more

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