Toronto is about to get blasted with 25 cm of snow

A winter storm warning is in effect for the City of Toronto and most of Southern Ontario today as a powerful system bears down on the region, bringing wind gusts of up to 80 km/h.

But that's far from the worst of it. Up to 25 cm of snow and ice pellets are expected to fall throughout the day with the possibility of freezing rain later this afternoon and evening.

All of this precipitation, mixed with a dangerous wind chill of -19 C, has Environment Canada warning of "hazardous winter conditions" that could seriously impact all facets of city life for at least the next 24 hours.

It’s starting. This wind tho #torontostorm pic.twitter.com/L9lmTETWIw

— Leo 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇨🇦 (@DirtyLeedsLeo) February 12, 2019

Strong easterly winds "will result in sudden and significantly reduced visibility due to blowing snow," warns the federal weather agency. "Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve."

Schools are closed, buses are cancelled and flights are grounded across the board.

The snow should taper off heading into Wednesday as this Colorado Low moves out of the province, but with 15 to 25 cm of snow accumulation predicted, things likely won't be much easier in terms of getting around tomorrow morning.

Good morning!#MeanwhileinCanada #snowday #WinterStorm #torontostorm #TuesdayThoughts #IceStorm #FreezingRain pic.twitter.com/qhRb2E570H

— Meanwhile in Canada (@MeanwhileinCana) February 12, 2019

If you must drive anywhere, Environment Canada suggests that you turn your lights on and "maintain a safe following distance." Should you be riding the red rocket, well... leave yourself plenty of extra time.