Dozens of collisions reported as major snowstorm hits GTA. Here is the latest.

A major snowstorm is hitting Toronto, with the potential for it to bring the largest accumulation of snow the city has seen in nearly two years.

Toronto officials have said that the cleanup from the storm will be an ‘all hands on deck operation’ and could drag on for days.

8:20 p.m.: some airlines cancel flights for Thursday

As of 8 p.m., 15 per cent of the 442 arriving flights and 14 per cent of the 450 departing flights at Toronto Pearson airport have been cancelled.

GTAA spokesperson Sean Davidson says some airlines have already cancelled and delayed flights for tomorrow, so passengers should check their travel status before coming to the airport.

7:30 p.m.: one TTC bus stop taken out of service

The TTC says one bus stop has been taken out of service because of slippery road conditions. The northbound 29 Dufferin bus is not stopping at Davenport.

“It’s not safe for buses to come to a stop there and pick up customers,” TTC spokesperson Adrian Grundy said.

A scheduled 11 p.m. subway closure between Bloor-Yonge and Osgoode stations has also been postponed, the TTC says.

“What we really need is all of those shuttle busses to be out servicing local bus routes so we can maintain service there and ensure that all of our crews that were dedicated to the track work that was taking place are out in the system to mitigate for any storm-related issues that may arise,” Grundy said.

7:26 p.m.: collisions reported across GTA

Several collisions have been reported across the Greater Toronto Area as snow continues to fall.

Peel Regional Police spokesperson Const. Tyler Bell-Morena tells CP24 that officers have responded to dozens of collisions at major intersections.

“Our officers are out there trying to get those processed as fast as possible and get those roadways clear for you,” Bell-Morena said.

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says they, too, are getting calls about collisions on GTA highways. In Hamilton, OPP officers are responding to vehicles getting stuck while trying to go uphill toward Clappison’s Corner.

6:05 p.m.: GO Transit running on special schedule Thursday

Metrolinx says GO Transit will run on a special schedule Thursday “to ensure we can maintain reliable service while keeping our trains clear of snow and ice build-up.”

The Crown agency notes that it will mean some GO Train trips will be cancelled or modified. As for the UP Express, it is expected to keep its regular schedule.

“We recommend that customers take extra time to get where they’re going,” Metrolinx said.

5:15 p.m.: Police advise drivers to slow down

Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Kerry Schmidt is advising drivers to be prepared as road conditions could deteriorate quickly.

“It does look like it’s going to have some waves. It’s going to have some real intense periods, and then some less intense periods, and then back and forth. And so, you may think you’re out of the woods, and you start to pick up the speed, and you drive right into a wall of snow again,” Schmidt told CP24.

He says drivers should slow down and give themselves space when conditions worsen on the road.

“We just don’t want to see people out there putting themselves in jeopardy, slowing down the snow clearing operations, and again, when the worst scenario comes forward, and you’re involved in a collision someplace, stay inside the safety cage of your vehicle,” Schmidt said.

4:45 p.m.: GTA schools cancel evening programming

The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) has also cancelled permits this evening due to the weather. Both Toronto school boards say they will assess the situation and inform parents and students of any bus delays or cancellations by 6 a.m. Thursday.

The Peel District School Board and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board say all permits for community use of schools for this evening have been cancelled.

Meanwhile, the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board has announced that all schools and buildings will be closed on Thursday as a result of the extreme weather.

4:30 p.m.: snow storm arrives in Toronto

Snow has begun falling, and Environment Canada says it will become heavy at times this evening.

“This snowfall will impact the evening commute,” the federal agency says. Snow will be mixed with ice pellets overnight before tapering off Thursday morning.

3:45 p.m.: Toronto Zoo closed on Thursday

The Toronto Zoo says that it will be closed on Thursday due to the storm. The zoo said it is taking the step “for the safety and wellbeing of the animals, staff, volunteers and guests.” The zoo says that it plans to reopen on Friday morning.

3:30 p.m.: TDSB cancels programming at schools after 6 p.m.

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) says it has made the “difficult decision” to cancel all programming at its schools after 6 p.m. due to the inclement weather.

“All in-person Continuing Education after-school and evening courses are cancelled. This includes International Languages Elementary and African Heritage, Learn4Life Community Programs, and Adult ESL,” the TDSB said on its website, noting online courses will continue as regularly programmed.

Child-care centres located inside of TDSB schools, including those that offer before- and after-school care, may remain open.

3:20 p.m.: how many centimetres could Toronto see?

A major snowstorm is expected to arrive in Toronto this evening, bringing as much as 25 centimetres of snow to the region over a 24-hour period. Follow here for LIVE updates throughout the day.

CTV Toronto’s Weather Specialist, Lyndsay Morrison, highlights the “system appears to be moving a little slower.”

She says the west end of the GTA could see an impact as early as 4:00 p.m., though east of Toronto could be closer to 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.

“Everyone can still expect strong winds this evening and tomorrow, and some heavy wet snow to shovel tomorrow morning,” she said.

In regard to the City of Toronto, she estimates a range of 15-20 centimetres, but areas north of the GTA or further east towards cottage country could see 20-40 centimetres.

2:16 p.m.: Toronto Hydro monitoring weather

In an email to CTV News, Toronto Hydro revealed they’re “actively monitoring” the weather and are prepared to manage any possible outages.

Officials noted they have “plans, processes and relationships” in place to respond to emergencies but did not clarify any specifics.

2:00 p.m.: City of Hamilton declares ‘significant weather event’

The City of Hamilton has declared a “significant weather event.” Officials say the city could see “accumulations up to 25 centimetres of snowfall and/or seven millimeters of freezing rain.

“An additional estimated 15 to 25 centimetres of snow is also expected across the upcoming long weekend,” officials noted in a statement to CTV News.

“Residents are reminded that when a Significant Weather Event is declared, it does not automatically mean all city facilities are closed or that programs are cancelled.”