You’ve been warned: it’s going to get sloppy

(Updated) The commute home is a slow one this evening after a blanket of snow fell onto the roads and sidewalks, and there is quite a bit of fog out there as well.

Everyone had been preparing for rain after Environment Canada’s warning for 25 to 50 millimetres, so when it started snowing around three o’clock, it seemed to come as a bit of a surprise – especially for drivers. The heavy snow accumulated quickly, making for a slushy and often slippery drive.

Temperatures are expected to continue to rise throughout the evening so rain is still expected overnight.

If we do get the melt we’re expecting, conservation authorities are warning of the potential for runoff from urban areas into urban streams, and is encouraging parents to keep their kids and pets away from rivers and creeks as banks are very slippery at this time and can pose a serious hazard.

To help prevent flooding, homeowners should remember to clear eavestroughs and downspouts to direct water away from homes; and shovel snow away from the house — especially basement windows.