Toronto is about to get a major snowfall

It looks like Toronto is going to have a white Christmas – and a white Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve Eve and Christmas Eve Eve Eve, too.

A special weather statement is in effect for the City of Toronto ahead of what’s expected to be a significant snowfall beginning Thursday afternoon.

Approximately 10 to 15 cm of snow will hit the city by Friday afternoon according to Environment Canada, with a risk of freezing drizzle throughout the day.

The federal weather agency says that tomorrow morning's rush hour commute "could be particularly slow and messy." Motorists are warned to be prepared for a reduction in visibility and "poor winter travelling conditions" both this evening and throughout Friday.

Here's how much snow to expect with #ONStorm for the #GTA. Widespread 10-15 cm, with the west end of Lake Ontario likely to pick up the most. For areas like #Kitchener and #Waterloo elevation changes slightly, so it's possible some parts could see up to 15 cm as well. pic.twitter.com/HdWlloOPE5

— Leeanna Mclean (@leeannamclean) December 21, 2017

Those travelling outside the city over the next few days should also note that the storm is forecast to hit much of southern Ontario.

Saturday will see temperatures rise above freezing in much of the region, according to The Weather Network, only to fall dramatically ahead of Christmas Eve – turning slush into ice and potentially making holiday travel even messier than usual.

Heading into December 25th, another weather system is expected to bring "a fresh coasting of snow to most of southern Ontario for Christmas."

Christmas Day could see an increase in dangerous travel conditions again, with whiteouts, frigid wind and lake-effect squalls continuing into Boxing Day and beyond.

Happy first (official) day of Winter, I guess.