It wasn’t a full blown storm, but freezing rain in the GTA last night led to significant power outages.  Some 87,000 Toronto Hydro customers were without power at the height out of the outage.  This morning, the number was reduced to 15,000 with all power expected to be restored later today.  It was a challenging night for Toronto Hydro crews who faced transmission issues from Hydro One along with a number of hydro pole fires.

Crews were facing similar issues in York Region,  but the situation has improved to about 4000 customers without power, primarily in Markham. Mid-afternoon is the target by Powerstream to restore all electricity.

During yesterday’s weather system in the city of Toronto, 200 trucks were used to dispense 5000 tonnes of salt at a cost of a $500,000.  Toronto Transportation Services has used $49-million of the $85-million snow clearing budget which has to last until the end of 2015.

And because of yesterday’s wintery blast, Toronto area airports are reporting delays this morning.  Dozens of flights have been cancelled and far more delayed at Pearson International Airport.   Air Canada recommends you check your flight status on-line before you head to the airport.