Toronto getting battered by whiteout snow squalls

It's like a tale of two cities in Toronto today. There was heavy snow fall in the city's east and west ends, while the downtown core remained relatively clear for much of the afternoon, though that all changed quickly as snow swept across the city.

Earlier today, Environment Canada issued a weather advisory for Toronto, warning of a messy commute with possible whiteout conditions at times. It even said to consider postponing all non-essential travel.

"Snow may quickly accumulate on roads with a quick 5 to 10 cm likely. Local snowfall amounts of 10 to 15 cm are possible in some areas," read the advisory.

"Near zero visibility in snow and blowing snow has already been reported in quite a few localities just north of Toronto and in the north end of Toronto this afternoon," it continued.

This snow band is supposed to move out of the Golden Horseshoe area this evening, but there's lots more precipitation (likely snow that'll turn to rain) in the forecast this weekend.

The city of Toronto also issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert today and already, a number of events have been cancelled, including the December 15 edition of the Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square and the Celebratory Procession (parade) to honour Honest Ed's.

Here's how the city's responding to the latest nasty weather.