Comments | Toronto ON, January 13-15, 1999. Less than 2 weeks after Toronto was dumped with 40 cm of snow (see 1999.002), another major storm dumped 78 cm of snow on the city, bringing the total to 118 cm. The storm shut down parts of the city's transit system and left thousands stranded. An estimated 1.4 million commuters were unable to use public transit. Pearson airport cancelled 70 flights and delayed others, schools were also closed. Mayor Mel Lastman declared a second snow emergency and called in the military to help with snow cleanup, and city protection. More than 430 soldiers set up residence in Toronto. Brawling between commuters ensued January 13, when the subway shut down. Snowblowers from all over Ontario, and even PEI were called in to help. At least 2 deaths occurred in Southern Ontario. Other areas that were affected were Chatham-Kent region, which also called in for military assistance. The storm affected virtually all 7.1 million residents of Southern Ontario and continued east on January 15 to wreak havoc on the Maritimes. |