A relentless winter storm is gripping the Greater Toronto Area, poised to deliver a staggering 50 centimetres of snow. The onslaught began Sunday morning and is expected to continue, transforming familiar landscapes into treacherous, white expanses.
The storm’s arrival coincides with a sweeping polar vortex descending upon Canada, a chilling reminder of winter’s raw power. This isn’t just another snowfall; it’s a significant weather event, prompting urgent warnings and widespread disruptions just weeks after the region battled a previous major storm.
Environment Canada has issued an orange warning, signifying conditions capable of causing substantial damage and posing risks to health. Peak snowfall rates of five to eight centimetres per hour, coupled with wind gusts reaching 50 km/h, are drastically reducing visibility, creating hazardous travel conditions.
The impact is already being felt across the region. The Toronto Zoo and all Toronto library branches have closed their doors. Recreational programs hosted in schools are cancelled, and similar closures ripple through Mississauga and Hamilton, where all city facilities are shuttered.
Oshawa has declared a significant weather event, closing its recreation facilities as a precaution. At Toronto Pearson International Airport, chaos reigns with 60% of flights cancelled and another 10% delayed, leaving countless travellers stranded and scrambling to adjust plans.
Public transit is struggling to cope. The TTC reports 48 stops are out of service due to accumulating snow and ice, hindering commutes and adding to the day’s challenges. For those seeking shelter from the storm, warming centres have opened across Toronto, offering respite from the biting cold.
The highways have become battlegrounds against the elements. Ontario Provincial Police have responded to approximately 100 collisions in the GTHA within the last 24 hours, a stark testament to the treacherous conditions. While thankfully no serious injuries have been reported, authorities are imploring drivers to avoid all non-essential travel.
Dramatic scenes have unfolded on the roadways. A jack-knifed tractor-trailer blocked three lanes of the eastbound 403 after colliding with a snow plow, while another tractor-trailer jack-knifed on the 407 to 404 transfer ramp in Markham. Further west, three lanes of the westbound 401 near Weston Road were blocked by yet another overturned transport.
The Gardiner Expressway hasn’t escaped the chaos, with multiple vehicles spinning out and one even flipping onto its side. Police are urging extreme caution in the area. Even the Don Valley Parkway has been reduced to a single lane as plows struggle to keep pace with the relentless snowfall.
City crews are working tirelessly, prioritizing highways and major roads to ensure access for emergency services. They are then focusing on transit routes, major corridors, and finally, residential streets. The city’s fleet of plows is visible across the region, a constant reminder of the ongoing battle against the storm.
However, even the equipment isn’t immune to the weather’s fury. A snow plow struck a gas line in the Queen West area, forcing the evacuation of nearby residents and businesses as Enbridge crews worked to contain the situation. The incident underscores the widespread impact of this powerful storm.
