Hold on tight, Toronto! A major winter storm is headed our way, potentially delivering the biggest snowfall we've seen all year. Get ready for a messy commute and bone-chilling temperatures – but is the city really prepared? Let's break down what you need to know.
Environment Canada has officially issued a yellow snowfall warning for Toronto, signaling the arrival of significant snowfall starting tonight, Wednesday, and continuing through Thursday afternoon. This isn't just a light dusting; we're talking about a potentially disruptive weather event. You can check the specific forecast for your area on the Environment Canada website (https://weather.gc.ca/en/location/index.html?coords=43.655,-79.383).
The advisory forecasts a substantial accumulation of snow, ranging from 10 to 20 centimetres. This amount of snowfall can significantly reduce visibility, making driving conditions hazardous, especially with the potential for blowing snow. Imagine trying to navigate the Gardiner Expressway with near-zero visibility!
But the snow isn't the only concern... Environment Canada is also warning about a dramatic temperature drop. Get ready for some serious cold! Thursday morning could see temperatures plummet to -9°C, but with the wind chill, it could feel as brutally cold as -22°C. And the cold won't be fleeting; even by Thursday afternoon, it's expected to still feel like -16°C. Time to dig out those parkas and thermal layers!
For further reading on preparing for the cold, check out this article: ‘Prepare your parkas’ as Toronto braces for bitter cold temperatures this week (https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/weather/article/prepare-your-parkas-as-toronto-braces-for-bitter-cold-temperatures-this-week/). And for a trip down memory lane, take a look at some of Toronto's biggest winter storms in the past: A closer look at the biggest winter storms to hit Toronto (https://www.cp24.com/photos/2026/01/14/a-look-back-at-some-of-the-biggest-winter-storms-ever-to-hit-toronto-2/)
Toronto isn't alone in facing this winter blast. Cities in the surrounding regions of Durham, York, Peel, Halton, Hamilton, and Niagara are also under the same yellow snowfall warning. So, whether you're in downtown Toronto or out in the Niagara region, prepare for similar conditions.
CTV News Toronto weather anchor Lyndsay Morrison warns that “Thursday’s morning commute is likely to be impacted by snow.” She anticipates 5 to 15 centimetres of snow overnight and through Thursday morning for much of the GTA and along the 401 corridor. Some areas, particularly Niagara and Prince Edward County, could even see up to 20 centimetres. For a detailed hourly and daily forecast, including snowfall totals, visit CP24.com's weather hub (https://www.cp24.com/weather/).
Morrison also highlights that temperatures across the GTA will be firmly in the double digits below zero on Thursday. Plus, lake-effect snow could impact regions south and east of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, adding another layer of complexity to the forecast.
If the forecasted 10 to 20 centimetres of snow actually falls, it would officially be the snowiest day Toronto has experienced so far this winter. The current record for the most snow in a single day at Toronto Pearson International Airport this season is 12 centimetres, recorded on December 26th. You can see historical snowfall data here: (https://toronto.weatherstats.ca/charts/snow-daily.html). But here's where it gets controversial... some argue that relying solely on Pearson Airport data doesn't accurately reflect snowfall across the entire city. What do you think?
So, what's the city doing to prepare? The City of Toronto announced on social media that salters are already pre-treating TTC bus routes and stops located on hills. This is a proactive step to improve traction and prevent buses from getting stuck on inclines. Salting operations will expand to all other roads, bikeways, and sidewalks as soon as the snow begins to accumulate on the pavement.
The city has specific thresholds for when plowing and snow clearing operations begin: 2 centimetres of accumulation on sidewalks and bike lanes, 2.5 centimetres on expressways, 5 centimetres on major roads, and 8 centimetres on residential streets. Keep an eye on the City of Toronto's social media channels for updates on snow clearing efforts.
The TTC has also activated its winter weather plan. They've deployed extra employees and maintenance vehicles across the system to spread salt, clear snow, maintain signals, switches, and overhead power lines, and respond to any weather-related issues. They'll also be running anti-icing trains to keep the power rail and tracks clear of snow and ice and spraying anti-icing solution on the streetcar overhead network and at all bus, streetcar, and subway divisions.
What about school closures? Various school boards in the GTA will be making decisions about school closures and bus cancellations by 6 a.m. Thursday morning. CP24 Breakfast and CP24.com will provide the latest updates impacting parents and students. Keep an eye on their website and social media channels, including the Toronto District School Board (@tdsb) on Twitter, for the latest information.
So, Toronto, are you ready for what Mother Nature has in store? Do you think the city's preparations are adequate, or should more be done? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below! And most importantly, stay safe and warm out there!
