Travel advisory issued due to snow in Mississauga, Brampton and Toronto

Meteorologists say to expect hazardous winter driving conditions as snow is expected to hit Mississauga, Brampton and Toronto overnight on Thursday.

Environment Canada issued the weather advisory shortly before 3:30 p.m. and says snow off of Lake Ontario will develop overnight. Combined with an incoming low pressure system, the storm is expected to cause commuter chaos and bring between 5 to 10 cm of snow to southern Ontario on Friday.

The snowfall is expected to taper off in the afternoon as the band of lake effect snow shifts south, but drivers on the Friday morning commute should be prepared for poor weather.

Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas,” Environment Canada says.

When weather turns bad on the roads, drivers are urged to slow down to account for slippery conditions.

“Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance,” the agency says.

The Weather Network is also forecasting snow beginning late Thursday or early Friday and continuing through the day, while forecaster Instant Weather predicts 10 to 20 cm in Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville and Burlington starting overnight and into Friday.

– With files from Karen Longwell