Hazardous winter storm forecast for Toronto and the GTHA, plan for heavy snow and travel disruptions
An orange winter storm warning covers Toronto and the GTHA. Environment Canada expects 20 to 40 cm of snow, strong winds and widespread travel disruptions including hundreds of flight cancellations.
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By Torontoer Staff
An orange winter storm warning is in effect for Toronto and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, with Environment Canada forecasting 20 to 40 cm of snow and peak rates of 5 to 7 cm per hour. The storm is producing hazardous driving conditions and has led to hundreds of cancelled flights on Sunday.
Areas near Lake Ontario, including downtown Toronto, are likely to receive the highest totals because lake-enhanced bands will boost snowfall. Strong gusts up to 50 km/h will blow snow, causing sudden whiteouts and near-zero visibility at times.
What to expect today and into Monday
Snow will intensify through the afternoon and evening and continue into Monday morning. Environment Canada warns of snowfall rates of 5 to 7 cm per hour at the storm's peak, and local amounts could exceed 40 cm where lake-enhanced snow sets up.
Snowfall totals of up to 40 cm are possible, with some spots picking up even more where lake-enhanced snow sets up.
Rob Haswell, 680 NewsRadio meteorologist
Orange warnings cover Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Burlington, Oakville, Pickering, Oshawa, Hamilton and Niagara Falls. The City of Toronto has urged residents to avoid non-essential travel.
Flights, closures and city services
Toronto Pearson International Airport reported more than 550 flight cancellations as of 11 a.m. Sunday, affecting roughly 60 per cent of departing flights and 62 per cent of arrivals. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport cancelled 32 flights on Sunday. Passengers should check with their airline before coming to the airport.
Flight-tracking site FlightAware recorded over 15,600 cancellations across the United States since Saturday, with more than 11,000 scheduled for Sunday. Aviation analytics company Cirium said the event will be the largest cancellation day in the U.S. since the pandemic, with over 29 per cent of departing flights axed.
The City of Toronto closed all library branches and cancelled recreational programs at school locations for Sunday. The Toronto Zoo is closed Sunday and will remain closed Monday to allow for snow clearing and animal and staff safety.
Roads, salting and plowing
Salt will be less effective because bitterly cold temperatures can prevent it from activating, so crews will rely on more plowing passes to keep roads passable. Expect reduced speeds, limited visibility and drifting snow on exposed routes.
It won’t activate at those very, very cold temperatures. It means we have to plow more, but we’ll still be laying it down. It will mean more passes by the plows in order to keep that snow at an acceptable level.
Paul Johnson, City Manager, City of Toronto
City officials said there is not yet a formal declaration in place, but that could change for Monday as the commute begins. Officials warn the Monday commute will be messy if snowfall continues overnight.
Schools and exams
School boards will monitor conditions overnight. The Toronto Catholic District School Board said that if schools are closed on Monday, high school exams scheduled for that day will be moved to Thursday. Exams scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday will proceed as planned. The Toronto District School Board will provide an update to parents and students by 6 a.m. Monday.
Practical tips for the storm
- Avoid non-essential travel. If you must drive, allow extra time, reduce speed and keep headlights on low beam.
- Check flight status with your airline before leaving for the airport, and consider delaying travel if possible.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle: warm clothing, blanket, flashlight, food, water, phone charger and a shovel.
- Clear vents, protect exposed pipes and have sufficient heating fuel or backup heat sources ready.
- Remove snow from pathways and around doors to maintain safe entry and exit, and check on vulnerable neighbours.
- Follow official updates from Environment Canada and the City of Toronto for closures and service changes.
Stay informed through official channels, avoid unnecessary trips and prepare for continued disruption into Monday morning. Local conditions can change quickly, so plan conservatively and prioritise safety.
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