Cleanup underway after snowstorm hits Toronto. More snow expected on Friday.

A massive winter storm paralyzed the Greater Toronto Area on Thursday, resulting in hundreds of highway crashes, school closures, and transit delays.

A snowfall warning was in effect for the region for most of the day, advising that up to 40 centimetres of snow was possible.

That advisory has since been lifted for Toronto and the neighbouring area, with the snow tapering off as the storm moved east.

However, the GTA could see additional dumping of snow on Friday.

• IN PICTURES: Toronto walloped by first snowstorm of 2026

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• An orange snowfall warning has been lifted for most of the GTA
• The GTA could likely to see an additional five to seven centimetres of snow on Friday
• When will your street be plowed? Check here
• The City of Toronto has declared a major snowstorm condition and significant weather event to help with the cleanup.
• Service on the Finch LRT has been suspended all day, 48 bus stops also out of service

FULL FORECAST: For a look at the hour-by-hour forecast, including snowfall totals, click here

Here’s a recap of what happened as a snowstorm moved through the Greater Toronto Area and created havoc:

8 p.m. - Over 400 collisions and calls for service

Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says in the past 24 hours, Ontario Provincial Police responded to 260 crashes and 150 calls involving vehicles stuck in ditches or snowbanks that required towing.

“The snow has mostly moved off to the east but there’s still a lot of areas that are snow-covered and slippery. Plows have been working hard. They will continue to work hard overnight until all their jobs are done, until salt is applied and the roads are back in good condition,” Schmidt said.

“We’re getting there slowly but here’s still a lot of plowing operations to go.”

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24 and CTV News Toronto digital journalist

7:36 p.m. - UP Express on reduced schedule Friday

Metrolinx says UP Express service will be on a reduced schedule on Friday due to today’s heavy snowfall.

That means trains will run every 30 minutes instead of 15 minutes between Union Station and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

“Customers will continue to experience some delays as a result of today’s heavy snowfall, and are encouraged to take extra care while travelling, give themselves extra travel time and to plan ahead,” Metrolinx said in a statement on Thursday night.

As for GO trains, Metrolinx says regularly scheduled service will continue to run with some delays of up to 20 minutes.

The transit agency says GO buses are also experiencing delays amid challenging road conditions.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24 and CTV News Toronto digital journalist

4:45 p.m. – Toronto declares major snowstorm event

Toronto is declaring a major snowstorm condition and significant weather event effective 5 p.m., as cleanup begins across the city.

Spokesperson Russell Baker tells CP24 the declaration will result in some bylaws coming into effect to keep the city moving. As of 5 p.m., parking on roads designated as snow routes will be prohibited.

Vehicles caught parked on snow routes will be towed, and fines could be issued.

The declarations will also allow the city, as needed and based on conditions, to remove snow to designated storage sites in areas that have capacity issues.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24 and CTV News Toronto digital journalist

4:25 p.m. - 20cm+ of snow fell at Pearson

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) says conditions are improving at Toronto Pearson Airport, where more than 20 centimetres of snow fell.

“Our crews continue to make loops of the airfield to remove snow from runways, taxiways, and aprons so aircraft can safely arrive and depart. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before coming to the airport, as some arriving and departing flights continue to be impacted,” the GTAA said.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24 and CTV News Toronto digital journalist

4:17 p.m. – Multiple highway closures

Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says a driver is in the hospital with critical injuries after a rear-end collision between a car and a tractor-trailer on Highway 400 near Finch Avenue.

There is no estimated time when the southbound lanes of the highway will reopen.

“This is the first closure of a main thoroughfare of the highway. We’ve had lane restrictions in different areas down the QEW, 401 in different areas. We’ve had multiple ramps blocked in Warden, Markham, across the 407; all those ramps were closed,” Schmidt said.

“The 410, we had problems up on the west end toward Brampton and Mississauga and then all the way down to Burlington. So lots of ramp closures. Again, cars just getting stuck. Some of those plows haven’t cleared the ramps and the vehicles, they get stuck on these snow drifts.”

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24 and CTV News Toronto digital journalist

3:30 p.m. – Orange warning no longer in effect for most of GTA

An orange snowfall warning that was in effect for Toronto throughout most of the day has been lifted by Environment Canada.

Orange snowfall warnings remain in effect for southern Durham Region and northern Niagara Region. A yellow snowfall warning is in effect for northern Durham Region.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

3:16 p.m. - QEW lanes closed in Hamilton after multi-vehicle crash

Ontario Provincial Police say the QEW Fort Erie-bound is closed in two left lanes at Centennial Parkway in Hamilton following a multi-vehicle collision involving a transport truck and passenger vehicles.

Injuries are being assessed, and motorists are warned to expect traffic slowdowns in the area.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

3:15 p.m. – More snow on the way tomorrow

The snow has started to taper off in most parts of the GTA but Toronto could be in for another blast of winter weather on Friday.

CTV News Toronto Weather Anchor Lyndsay Morrison says that the GTA is likely to see an additional five to seven centimetres of snow on Friday as another system moves in, with the potential for a few more centimetres over the weekend.

“Not as impactful as today’s storm but certainly adding to the snowfall amounts out there,” Morrison says.

Morrison adds that the snowfall on Friday will likely begin in the late morning hours and continue through the afternoon and into the evening hours.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

2:24 p.m. - VIA Rail train strikes snowplow

GO Transit is reporting that a train has struck a snowplow on the Lakeshore East line between Eglinton GO and Guildwood GO stations.

It’s unclear what time this incident occured but the agency says it is working with emergency personnel to move trains through the area, but riders should expect delays, service modifications, and possible cancellations as crews deal with the incident and restore service.

Toronto police says there are no injuries but as a result, Scarborough Golf Club Road is closed between Dale Avenue and Confederation Drive.

In an email to CP24, Metrolinx officials confirm that it was a VIA Rail train.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

2:20 p.m. - Nearly one quarter of flights at Pearson cancelled

As of 2 p.m. Pearson said about 23 per cent of all arrivals and departures have been cancelled.

There were 481 flights set to depart the airport today and 480 set to arrive.

About 19 per cent of departing flights have been delayed and about 35 per cent of arrivals have been delayed, the airport noted.

- Codi Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

2:16 p.m. - Highway 400 southbound closed at Finch after crash

OPP officials say Highway 400 southbound is now fully closed at Finch Avenue in North York following a collision involving a transport truck and a car.

Police say one person has been taken to hospital with unconfirmed injuries, and warn the closure is expected to be lengthy.

Drivers are being urged to plan alternate routes and avoid the area if possible.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

2 p.m. - Toronto Public Library branches to close early

Toronto Public Library says all branches will close early at 5 p.m. today due to the ongoing winter storm.

The library system says the decision was made because of deteriorating weather and travel conditions across the city.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

1:52 p.m. – Conditions ‘unbelievable’

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says that while there have been approximately 200 collisions on GTA roads, there are no serious injuries to report as of Thursday afternoon.

Schmidt, however, said that drivers should use extreme caution if they need to head out and avoid leaving their homes entirely if possible.

“It is unbelievable, it is crazy, it is a mess. Cars are slipping and sliding everywhere. Even me I am having trouble getting where I am going sometimes,” Schmidt told CP24. “Even at a slight grade vehicles will have trouble with traction, even with all wheel drive and winter tires.”

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

1:48 p.m. - Dozens of TTC bus stops taken out of service due to storm

The TTC says dozens of bus stops remain out of service across the city as crews work to clear snow and make conditions safe for riders.

Earlier in the day, the transit agency confirmed that as many as 48 stops were not in service. TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said the move was made proactively ahead of the storm.

“We actually took those out of service this morning in anticipation. The fortunate thing about this storm is that it happened overnight, so it allowed us to get ahead of some of this. We take those stops out of service proactively,” Green said.

Green said the stops will remain closed until it is safe to reopen them. “They stay out of service until it’s safe for us to put them back in service. And we know that we can confidently get busses moving again once they make those stops.”

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

1:25 p.m.- Snowstorm a ‘tough one’ to predict

Monica Vaswani, warning preparedness meteorologist for Environment Canada, says this snowstorm has been a “particularly tough one to forecast.”

“Over the last couple of days, models have been flip-flopping and they weren’t really sure about what was going to happen and they really started to paint a grim picture for today only yesterday. And that’s when we started to issue those warnings,” she told CP24 on Thursday afternoon.“This is not your run-of-the-mill snowstorm. This is something that could last, at least in terms of impacts, a series of days, not just one day.”

- Codi Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

1:20 p.m. - Drivers should still use caution on DVP: police

Police say that while the DVP has reopened, there could still be hazardous conditions on some parts of the highway and drivers are being urged to use caution.

“This is earlier but there were vehicles that slid off into the ditch, there were vehicles that were on the highway itself that were just stuck in the snow and there was at least one vehicle that ran out of fuel, causing that vehicle to be stalled,” Const. Viktor Sarudi told CP24 on Thursday afternoon.

The DVP was closed for most of Thursday morning to allow for plows to clear the roadway.

Sarudi said that the highway reopened over the noon hour but there are still some “slippery spots.”

“Just because the plows have done their job and the roads are open you still have to exercise caution when out there,” he said.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

1:15 p.m. - Up to 40 cm expected

Environment Canada has increased its snowfall forecast yet again, now warning that some parts of the GTA could see up to 40 centimetres of snow from the ongoing winter storm.

The agency says heavy snow and blowing snow will continue to make travel difficult and is urging residents to avoid non-essential trips and allow extra time if they must be on the roads.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

1:10 p.m. - ‘We’re not finished yet’

Environment Canada’s senior climatologist says winter disappeared in December but January has given the city a ‘nasty’ blast and there’s a lot more snow ahead.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

1:05: p.m. - Finch West LRT facing a ‘series of issues’

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow was asked about the performance of the newly-opened Finch West LRT, which was forced to shutdown Thursday due to the snowfall, but deferred to Metrolinx, the Crown corporation that built the line.

“I do not want to speak on behalf of Metrolinx, because this is not the level of government that controls and manages Metrolinx. So, I’ll let them speak for themselves,” she said at a news conference on the city’s snow-clearing operations.

The TTC’s Josh Colle, who spoke alongside Chow, said there are “a series of issues” with the line that have presented themselves amid the storm.

Shuttle busses are running along the length of the route during the closure. The Finch West line officially opened in early December.

- Phil Tsekouras, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

12:38 p.m. - DVP reopens in both directions after storm closures

Toronto police say the Don Valley Parkway has now reopened in both directions after being closed for much of the day due to collisions and dangerous driving conditions.

Police say both the southbound and northbound lanes of the DVP are now open, but are urging drivers to continue using caution as winter road conditions persist across the city.

In a statement posted to X, Mayor Olivia Chow added:

“The DVP has reopened following collisions and other issues. And plows are running. Police had closed it for safety reasons this morning. Please be safe if you’re travelling on highways today.”

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

12:12 p.m. - Some parents not emailed about school closure: TDSB

The TDSB says that a “technical issue” resulted in a delay in an email notification sent to parents informing them of the closure of all schools this morning. The TDSB says that some families may not have received the email at all, despite it being sent out shortly after 6 a.m. in line with board policy.

“We understand how important timely communication is, especially during weather-related events and school closures, and we regret any inconvenience this may have caused. Please be assured that we are working to identify and resolve this issue moving forward,” a letter from the board states.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

12:08 p.m. - More than 200 collisions: OPP

The Ontario Provincial Police say approximately 200 collisions and 125 vehicles stuck in snowbanks or ditches have been reported across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area in the past 24 hours.

Officers are urging drivers to stay off the roads if possible and to exercise extreme caution when travelling in the winter storm conditions.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

12 p.m. - DVP southbound reopens past Eglinton as plows make progress

CP24’s Traffic Specialist Lisa Morales reports that traffic on the Don Valley Parkway southbound can now move past Eglinton Avenue as snowplows begin clearing the roadway.

Motorists are still advised to drive with caution, as hazardous conditions persist in areas not yet cleared.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

11:41 a.m. - Delays on several GO transit lines

In an update to CP24, Metrolinx says riders should expect delays of 10–20 minutes on the Kitchener, Stouffville, and Lakeshore West lines, while the rest of the rail network is running as scheduled.

The agency adds that some residual bus delays remain, but service is improving as weather conditions ease.

Customers are encouraged to check the Metrolinx website for the latest updates before travelling.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

11:25 a.m. - Icy collector, express ramps causing severe backup

CP24’s Traffic Specialist Lisa Morales has been monitoring the situation on the roads all morning.

MTO officials say that the ramps on the 401 to the 404 are a “sheet of ice,” which is causing the traffic to back up because motorists can’t safely travel through. However, there is still access to the DVP from the 401 — no closures, but conditions remain hazardous.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

11:16 a.m. - Plows making multiple trips

City of Toronto spokesperson Russel Baker says in addition to the 1,300 city staff deployed, some plows have been out two if not three times already.

He says that the city is also actively deploying staff from other divisions to “help ensure that snow plowing efforts continue.”

“In many pockets plows have already been out two if not three times and not only are they plowing the road; they are also salting the roads,” he told CP24.

“We know when the temperatures drop down like they have today salt is less effective but really the best way to get out there and clear the roads is to indeed plow and salt at the same time so many of our vehicles are equipped to plow and salt at same time.”

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

10:55 a.m. - Lighter snow expected on Friday

CTV Toronto’s weather specialist Lyndsay Morrison says the snow is expected to taper off this afternoon, but another few centimetres are possible, bringing totals across the region to 20–35 cm.

“This is our most significant snow of the season so far. Previously we had picked up 12 cm of snow on Boxing Day,” she wrote in a statement.

She warns that while the afternoon commute may not be as severe as the morning, weather impacts will continue, with another round of light snow expected Friday

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

10:50 a.m. - Avoid DVP entirely: Police

Toronto police are now warning drivers to stay away from the entire Don Valley Parkway. The highway was initially closed south of Eglinton Avenue due to hazardous conditions but police now say that they believe traffic is being prevented from accessing the highway at Highway 401 as well.

There is currently no timeline for the reopening of the highway.

“Just to be safe what I would suggest to anyone is avoid the entire stretch of the Don Valley Parkway until you see that we have posted that it is open. I would avoid right from the 401 to where it turns into the Gardiner. That is the area where we are seeing some concern with the ice and several vehicles have spun out and are in the ditch,” Const. Viktor Sarudi told CP24.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

10:42 a.m. - Biggest snowstorm so far

CP24 Metrologist Bill Coulter says that about 15 cm of snow has fallen at Pearson International Airport so far this morning, making this the biggest snowstorm the city has seen so far this winter.

Coulter, however, says that snowfall totals are likely higher in other parts of the GTA.

He says that he believes the total snowfall outside the CP24 newsroom in Scarborough likely exceeded 20 cm. as of 10 a.m.

“As the snow continues to fall and the winds continue to blow, it is pretty treacherous out there,” Coulter says. “And with the cold the snow becomes less dense, it is that lighter stuff and as you clear it off, it will sort of blow right back over.”

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

10:40 a.m. - 1,300 city staff deployed: Mayor Olivia Chow

The city of Toronto is ramping up their response to today’s storm.

Mayor Olivia Chow says about 1,300 city staff and contractors are currently working to respond to the winter storm, with more staff being redeployed from other divisions to assist.

Toronto’s Emergency Management Office has been activated to coordinate the city’s response across departments and agencies, and 311 will continue taking calls for service.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

10:32 a.m. - Garbage collection will continue

The City of Toronto says garbage and Green Bin (organics) collection is continuing despite the winter storm, though residents should expect potential delays.

Officials are asking residents to put waste out on their regular collection day and leave bins out until they are collected, and to hold onto oversized and metal items until the next scheduled pickup if possible.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

10:25 a.m. - Toronto snowstorm in pictures

Torontonians are digging out from the first major snowstorm of 2026. Here are some of the scenes residents woke up to Thursday morning:

- Phil Tsekouras, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

10:10 a.m. - Still no service on Line 6 Finch West

The TTC says Line 6 Finch West still has no service between Finch West and Humber College stations due to ongoing winter weather.

Shuttle buses are running between both stops and riders are being urged to expect delays and check for updates.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

9:45 a.m. - Pearson Airport says accumulation now at 12 cm

12 centimetres of snow has now fallen at Pearson International Airport, as of 9 a.m., as crews there work to keep things moving.

“Traffic Management Initiatives remain in place to ensure the safe arrival and departure of aircraft,” a post on X read.

Toronto Pearson provided a video of what the airfield looks like this morning, showing snow clearing operations at Terminal 1.

Travellers are being advised to check their flight status with their airline and to allow for extra time to get to the airport.

- Joanna Lavoie, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

9:40 a.m. - Pickering cancels city programs

City of Pickering officials say all city-run programs are cancelled today until 3 p.m., though facilities remain open.

Officials warn that the customer care centre may experience high call volumes and thank residents for their patience.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

9:30 a.m. - Up to 35 cm expected

In an update, Environment Canada now says up to 35 centimetres is expected as the winter storm continues to intensify in parts of the GTA.

“Travel will be hazardous. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic,“ officials wrote. ”Allow extra time for travel. Non-essential travel should be avoided.”

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

9:30 a.m. – 150 crashes in last 24 hours in GTA

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says that there have been about 150 crashes in the GTA in the last 24 hours, including about 30 so far this morning. He says that the OPP has also received in excess of 100 calls for cars in ditches.

Schmidt says that on one section of Highway 400 near Major Mackenzie Drive there are at least a half dozen stalled cars over the span of two or three highway exists. Similar situations are playing out on other 400-series highways in the GTA, Schmidt says.

“There are so many cars going through these big windrows, not realizing how deep that snow is. They have snow tires, all-wheel drive and think they can tackle winter until they hit a two-foot snow bank and there is nothing you can do to get out of that,” Schmidt says. “They (drivers) don’t realize how deep it is until they get stuck and then they are done.”

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

9:20 a.m. - Toronto Zoo closed

The Toronto Zoo says it will remain closed Thursday as the winter storm continues to impact the region.

“Due to ongoing winter weather conditions, your Toronto Zoo will be closed for the day. Please take care and travel safely. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow once the site is safe and ready for our staff, volunteers, animals, and guests,” the zoo said in a statement.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

9:15 a.m. - TTC subway running smoothly despite winter storm

In an update to CP24, Senior Communications Advisor Susan Nguyen says operations in around subway stations are running smoothly.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

9:05 a.m. - Six Toronto childcare centres closed

The City of Toronto says most city-run childcare centres remain open, but six locations housed in Toronto District School Board schools are closed due to the winter storm.

The closed centres include:

1. Firgrove Satellite Early Learning & Child Care Centre
2. O’Connor Satellite Early Learning & Child Care Centre
3. Chester Le Early Learning & Child Care Centre
4. Taylor Creek Early Learning & Child Care Centre
5. Emery Early Learning & Child Care Centre
6. Rawlinson Early Learning & Child Care Centre.

The city also says all After-School Recreation (ARC) programs are cancelled today.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

8:47 a.m. - DVP closed in both directions

In an update to CP24, Toronto police say the Don Valley Parkway remains closed due to dangerous winter driving conditions and multiple collisions.

Police say the DVP southbound is closed at Eglinton Avenue down to the Gardiner Expressway because of several minor collisions, black ice, and to allow city snowplows to clear the roadway.

In an update, police say the DVP northbound is also closed at Bloor Street. Drivers are being warned to expect major delays and to consider alternate routes.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

8:32 a.m. - When will my street be plowed?

Snow-clearing operations are underway in and around Toronto as residents dig out from Thursday morning’s storm.

The City of Toronto’s PlowTO Map shows that most of the city’s main roads were cleared in the last four hours. Some residential areas were serviced between four and eight hours ago.

Trucks are still on ground across the city working to make way for the morning commute, starting with expressways and major arterial roads.

Sidewalks are in the process of being plowed, but some haven’t been service in more than eight hours, according to the city.

Click here for an update on when your street will be serviced.

- Phil Tsekouras, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

8:31 a.m. - Hamilton cancels New Year’s Levee and Order of Hamilton ceremony

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath says the city has cancelled tonight’s New Year’s Levee and Order of Hamilton ceremony due to the storm and widespread closures.

“Due to today’s inclement weather and the closure of City of Hamilton facilities and administration offices, tonight’s New Year’s Levee and Order of Hamilton ceremony scheduled for this evening (Jan. 15) at City Hall has been cancelled,” Horwath said in a statement.

The mayor says the Order of Hamilton recipients who were set to be recognized will instead be included in ceremonies planned for Friday and Saturday. She is urging residents to stay home if possible and to take it slow if they must travel, adding: “SNOW DAY!”

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

8:30 a.m. - DVP southbound/Northbound closed after black ice

Toronto police say the Don Valley Parkway southbound is closed due to dangerous driving conditions and multiple collisions.

Police say the DVP southbound is closed at Eglinton Avenue down to the Gardiner Expressway due to several minor collisions, black ice, and to allow city snowplows to clear the roadway.

Drivers are being urged to avoid the area and to expect major delays as crews work to improve road conditions.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

8:20 a.m. - Toronto Public Library delays opening of all branches

Toronto Public Library says all branches will open later than usual today because of the winter storm.

“Due to the snow, all library branches will open at 12 p.m. today,” the library system said in a statement, urging residents to stay safe and warm.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

8:05 a.m. - Environment Canada upgrades snowfall warning to orange

Environment Canada says the winter storm hitting southern Ontario is expected to bring significant snowfall and dangerous travel conditions throughout the day. They have now upgraded their warning from yellow to orange.

The agency says 20 to 30 centimetres of snow is expected, with reduced visibility at times in heavy snow and local blowing snow. The snowfall is expected to continue through the morning and taper off late this afternoon.

“Travel will be hazardous. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic,” Environment Canada said, adding that very cold wind chills will worsen conditions and that non-essential travel should be avoided.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

7:50 a.m. - OPP urges drivers to stay off roads as crashes mount

Ontario Provincial Police are urging drivers to avoid any unnecessary travel as the winter storm continues to pound the region.

“Plenty of cars in the ditches. SLOW DOWN, stay in control. Make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the road before you head out! Stay home if you can,” police said in a video posted to X.

The OPP is reminding motorists that road conditions are deteriorating quickly and that even short trips can become dangerous in severe winter weather.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

7:40 a.m. - Toronto opens additional warming centres

The City of Toronto says it is opening additional warming centres later this evening as dangerously cold temperatures move into the city.

In an update to social media, officials say two more sites will open at 5 p.m.: Cecil Community Centre at 58 Cecil St. and Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre at 870 Queen St. E.

The city says several warming centres that were previously opened remain available, including locations at 136 Spadina Rd., 81 Elizabeth St., 12 Holmes Ave., 885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd., and 349 George St.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

7:35 a.m. – Some delays reported at Pearson airport

An air traffic management initiative is in place at Pearson International Airport and it is expected that there will be some impact to both arriving and departing flights as a result, officials say.

“Snow-clearing operations are underway, with crews conducting continuous loops of the airfield. Travelers, please check your flight status before coming to the airport,” the airport said in a post to social media.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

7:30 a.m. - Service suspended on Finch West LRT

There is currently no service along the entire Line 6 Finch West LRT route due to weather conditions. Service has been suspended as of 5:15 a.m. The TTC says that shuttle buses are running from Humber College to Finch West stations.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

7:25 a.m. – Latest snowfall totals in Toronto

CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter says that 9 cm of snow has already fallen at Pearson International Airport. He says that he anticipates that we will get an additional 15 cm of snow this morning. The heaviest bands of snow will stop by 10 a.m. and there will be lighter snow between 10 a.m. and noon that will eventually give way to flurries.

“Take it easy. If you don’t have to travel and be on the roads don’t and if you do, use extreme caution,” Coulter says.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

7:15 a.m. - TTC cancels express buses

The TTC says all express bus service has been cancelled due to the winter storm.“All express service cancelled due to inclement weather. All buses will be operating local routing,” the transit agencysaid in an update posted to social media earlier this morning.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

7: 10 a.m. - GO Transit warns of delays

Metrolinx says most GO trains are running as scheduled, but warns riders to expect delays as the winter storm moves through the region.

“During today’s heavy snowfall, customers may experience some delays and are encouraged to take extra care while travelling, give themselves extra travel time and to plan ahead,” the agency told CP24 in an update.

Metrolinx says it is currently experiencing some bus delays and is running a modified train service on the Richmond Hill line, with trains operating express from Gormley GO to Langstaff GO.

Customers are being encouraged to check the agency’s website for the latest service updates.

- Jermaine Wilson, Multi-Platform Writer for CTV News Toronto & CP24

7 a.m. – CAA anticipating busy day

CAA Winter Driving Expert Nadia Matos says that call volumes have not picked up significantly as of yet but she anticipates calls for service and the wait time for service will “creep up throughout the day.”

“We find that when the snow is coming in like this and with all the cancellations at the school boards and perhaps people are able to work from home, it is actually a bit quitter,” she told CP24. “When the storm starts to lift mixed in with this deep freeze that is when we start to see people actually giving us a call and saying ‘Hey, I need to get going.’”

Matos says that she urges drivers to prepare as much as they can for the conditions, if they need to head out. She says that means leaving plenty of time to commute, making sure your vehicle has extra windshield washer fluid and, most importantly, slowing down.

“We are Canadians. Be courteous and allow other people to merge when we know that lanes are not visible and it is a more difficult drive out there,” she says.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

6:30 a.m. – When will the snow stop?

CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter says that the heavy snow will continue until around noon and should taper off entirely by 2 p.m. He says that the total snowfall accumulation in Toronto is likely to range between 15 and 25 centimetres. Bitter cold will accompany the snow with a high of – 9 C this morning that will feel more like – 22 with the wind chill.

“The depth of temperature is already a big story, it is bitterly cold and then we have the snow coming down and because it is this cold it is less dense so you get double the snow that you would with the same moisture content because it is less dense and it piles up,” Coulter says.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto