A powerful winter storm buries the GTA under up to 35 cm of snow, closing the DVP, schools, and transit while officials urge residents to stay home.
Snowstorm Brings the GTA to a Standstill
If Toronto woke up quieter than usual, the snow is the reason. A powerful winter storm swept across the Greater Toronto Area overnight, dumping heavy snow and creating dangerous travel conditions that forced major road closures, shut schools, and slowed transit across the region.
As a result, many commuters were left reworking their plans while plows raced to keep up with the fast-falling snow.
Don Valley Parkway Closed as Crashes Mount
The Don Valley Parkway was shut down in both directions during the morning commute after several crashes and reports of black ice were logged. According to Toronto police, the southbound lanes were closed from Eglinton Avenue to the Gardiner Expressway, while northbound lanes were closed from Bloor Street to Highway 401.
The closure was also put in place to give snow crews the space they needed to clear the roadway safely. Meanwhile, police said dozens of collision calls were received across the city as conditions worsened.
Heavy Snowfall Triggers Rare Orange Warning
Environment Canada warned that between 20 and 35 centimetres of snow could fall before the storm ends. In addition, blowing snow and poor visibility were expected to make travel even harder.
A rare orange snowfall warning was issued for Toronto and much of the GTA, including York, Durham, and Peel regions. These alerts are uncommon and signal severe weather that can cause major disruption and damage.
Although snowfall was expected to ease by mid to late afternoon, bitter cold remained a concern. While temperatures hovered near -9 C, wind chills were expected to make it feel closer to -24.
Most GTA Schools and Campuses Close Their Doors
Because of the dangerous conditions, most school boards across the GTA chose safety first. Schools, buses, and childcare services were widely shut down for the day.
Closed school boards and campuses included the Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, Peel, York, Halton, and Dufferin-Peel boards. Several colleges and universities also moved classes online or closed campuses entirely.
However, Durham school boards stayed open, though transportation services were cancelled.
YMCA childcare programs across several regions were also closed, adding to the disruption for families.
Transit Disruptions Ripple Across the Region
Public transit felt the impact as well. The Finch West LRT was temporarily shut down due to weather-related switch issues, marking the second interruption of the day. Meanwhile, dozens of TTC bus stops were taken out of service.
GO Transit riders were also affected, with buses running up to 30 minutes late across parts of the network. Delays continued into the afternoon as crews worked through the storm.
Police Urge Drivers to Stay Home
Ontario Provincial Police described road conditions as messy and treacherous. Drivers were urged to avoid travel if possible and to give snowplows and salt trucks plenty of room.
Officers stressed the importance of slowing down, leaving extra space between vehicles, and resisting the urge to pass working plows.
Flights Delayed at Toronto Airports
Air travel was not spared. Crews at Toronto Pearson International Airport worked continuously to clear runways, while air traffic management measures were put in place. As a result, some flights were delayed.
Billy Bishop Airport also experienced morning delays, although most flights later in the day were expected to depart on time. Travelers were strongly advised to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Warming Centres Open as Cleanup Continues
City crews planned multiple rounds of plowing and salting throughout the day, focusing first on expressways and major routes. Side streets and residential roads were expected to be cleared later.
To help residents cope with the cold, Toronto kept warming centres open, with additional surge locations scheduled to open by evening. These centres offer shelter, food, and access to community services.
A Familiar Winter Reminder
The storm struck exactly 27 years after Toronto famously called in the military to help clear historic snowfall. While today’s response looks different, the message remains the same: winter still rules the roads.
For now, residents are being urged to stay safe, stay warm, and stay home until the snow finally lets up.
