Winter storm warning: Toronto, GTA facing up to 40 cm of snow and widespread disruptions
Environment Canada has issued an orange warning for a storm expected to drop 20 to 40 cm of snow across Toronto and the GTA, with heavy bands, high winds and major travel impacts.
Copy link
By Torontoer Staff
Environment Canada has issued an orange winter storm warning for Toronto and much of the Greater Toronto Area as a system moves in, bringing 20 to 40 centimetres of snow in many areas and locally higher amounts. Forecasters say snowfall rates could reach 5 to 7 cm per hour, with wind gusts up to 50 or 60 km/h leading to near-zero visibility in places.
The storm arrives a little over a week after a prior severe snowfall. Major impacts are already under way: Pearson Airport reports widespread cancellations, highways have seen collisions and jackknifed tractor-trailers, and several municipalities and city services have closed or reduced operations.
What the warning covers
- Snowfall totals: 20 to 40 cm expected across much of Toronto and the GTA, with some neighbourhoods seeing more than 40 cm
- Peak snowfall rates: 5 to 7 cm per hour during the heaviest bands
- Wind: gusts up to 50 to 60 km/h, creating blowing snow and reduced visibility
- Timing: heavy snow is expected to intensify through the afternoon and evening, tapering to flurries near midnight
Widespread snow associated with an approaching system will develop later this morning. As this occurs, locations affected by lake enhancement will receive the highest snowfall amounts. Visibility could be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in blowing snow.
Environment Canada
Service disruptions and closures
The storm is already affecting airports, transit and municipal services across the region. Toronto Pearson is reporting high rates of cancellations and delays. Transit agencies have listed route reductions, stop closures and detours, while several cities have closed community facilities or declared significant weather events.
- Toronto Pearson: large numbers of cancellations and delays for arrivals and departures
- TTC: dozens of stops out of service and route disruptions reported across the city
- UP Express: service reduced to every 30 minutes
- Highways: multiple incidents including a jackknifed tractor-trailer blocking lanes on Highway 401, and a closed transfer ramp from Highway 407 to 404 in Markham
- Municipal closures: Toronto Public Library branches closed, Toronto Zoo closed, Mississauga libraries and community centres closing midday, Oshawa declared a Significant Weather Event, Hamilton closing city facilities at noon
This is a monster of a storm, with lake-effect snow now producing heavy totals. The heaviest snow and strongest winds are expected this afternoon and evening. Avoid unnecessary travel.
Bill Coulter, CP24 meteorologist
Practical steps before you head out
- Check live flight and transit status before leaving for the airport or station
- Allow extra travel time and expect detours and lane closures on major routes
- If you must drive, keep a charged phone, a winter safety kit, warm clothing and an emergency blanket in your vehicle
- Avoid highway travel if conditions are deteriorating, and heed OPP and municipal advisories
- If you rely on scheduled services, confirm cancellations or reduced frequency with your provider
City supports and warming centres
Toronto and other municipalities have opened warming centres and surge sites for residents who need shelter from the cold or have been displaced by storm impacts. Salt-truck and ploughing operations are active in many areas, but crews can be overwhelmed when snowfall rates exceed ploughing capacity.
- Warming centres and surge sites in Toronto include 81 Elizabeth St., 885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd., 136 Spadina Rd., 349 George St. and 12 Holmes Ave.
- Surge sites active at Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre, 870 Queen St. E., and Cecil Community Centre, 58 Cecil St.
- Municipal updates: check city websites and social feeds for the latest on facility closures and service changes
Safety and household preparedness
Treat travel advisories seriously, keep emergency supplies on hand, and check on neighbours who may be vulnerable. Expect power interruptions in isolated cases, and prepare for limited mobility on roads and sidewalks for some time after the storm passes.
- Keep phones and essential devices charged, and have flashlights and extra batteries ready
- Keep pets indoors where possible, and ensure they have food and shelter
- Clear vents for furnaces and generators, and use portable heating devices only as directed by manufacturers
- Monitor official channels for updates from Environment Canada, municipal operations, and transit agencies
This situation is evolving. Expect further updates as agencies report snowfall totals, road conditions and service status. Follow local authorities and transit providers for real-time information and travel advisories.
winter stormsnowTorontotransitEnvironment Canada
