The first cold blast of winter has brought an extreme cold weather alert that could last through Thursday, if Environment Canada forecasts are accurate.

Alerts are usually issued when the temperature is forecast to reach -15 C or colder, or when the wind chill is forecast to reach below -20 C.

Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health issued the alert late Tuesday morning using information from Environment Canada, urging residents to dress in layers, seek shelter and check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure that they are coping with the temperatures.

Get ready to shovel even more snow as slurries and blowing snow are expected to continue throughout the week. A mix of sun and clouds are expected on Wednesday and Thursday, though the temperature will remain frigid, with highs of only -6 C and -8 C, respectively.

The weekend will be slightly warmer, but cloudy with 40 per cent chance of flurries. Sunday will see temperatures climb to 0 C.

Environment Canada says snowfall amounts of eight to 10 cm were reported Tuesday morning, following the first significant snowfall of the season. A special weather statement for the snowfall has ended, but the snow remains.

The snow fall meant difficulty for travellers on all modes of transportation. Toronto Pearson airport saw well over 100 cancelled flights as a result of the weather conditions, while GO Transit also experienced significant delays with the Tuesday morning commute.

Photos: Toronto’s first snowfall of the season

Two collisions on Highway 401 early Tuesday blocked traffic for hours. Two trucks collided on the westbound Highway 401 at Morningside Ave. and initially shut down the express lanes. One driver was charged with impaired driving.

With files from Alexandra Jones

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