A relentless blizzard descended upon Toronto, triggering the city’s major snow event response for the second time this season. Forecasts predict a staggering 60 centimetres of snow, blanketing the region in a thick, icy grip.
The storm arrived with the force of a polar vortex sweeping across Canada, a mere week after the last major snowfall brought chaos to roads and prompted widespread closures. Environment Canada issued an orange warning, signifying severe weather capable of causing significant disruption and danger.
Toronto immediately activated its emergency plan, enacting parking prohibitions on snow routes. Vehicles left in violation face hefty fines and potential impoundment, a critical measure to ensure clear pathways for life-saving emergency vehicles and essential public transit.
Police are urging residents to avoid all non-essential travel, advising people to stay home on Monday if possible. Roads are treacherous, and even with around-the-clock plowing efforts, navigating the city will remain exceptionally difficult.
The snowfall intensified around 10 a.m., with peak accumulation rates reaching five to eight centimetres per hour. Blinding wind gusts, reaching 50 km/h, dramatically reduced visibility, creating hazardous conditions for anyone venturing outdoors.
The Toronto Zoo and all Toronto library branches have closed their doors, joining a growing list of impacted services. Recreational programs hosted in schools are also suspended, prioritizing public safety amidst the worsening conditions.
Beyond Toronto, the storm’s reach extended to surrounding municipalities. Mississauga and Hamilton shut down all city facilities, including libraries, office buildings, and ice rinks. Oshawa followed suit, declaring a significant weather event and closing its recreation centres.
Air travel has been severely disrupted, with Toronto Pearson International Airport cancelling over 60% of its 900+ flights. Passengers are strongly advised to verify their flight status before heading to the airport, as delays and cancellations are widespread.
The TTC is battling the elements, with 48 transit stops temporarily out of service due to snow and ice accumulation. Despite the challenges, the transit system remains a vital option for those who must travel.
For those seeking refuge from the cold, warming centres have opened across the city, offering a safe and warm haven. Locations include Elizabeth Street, Scarborough Golf Club Road, Spadina Road, George Street, and Holmes Avenue, alongside surge warming sites at the Jimmie Simpson and Cecil Community Centres.
Highway conditions are perilous. Provincial police have responded to approximately 150 collisions and 125 stranded vehicles in the Greater Toronto Area within the last 24 hours. While thankfully no serious injuries have been reported, the risks are substantial.
Dramatic incidents unfolded on the region’s highways. A jack-knifed tractor-trailer blocked lanes on the 403 after colliding with a snow plow, and similar incidents snarled traffic on the 407 and 401. Multiple vehicles spun out on the Gardiner Expressway, with one overturning near Jameson Avenue.
The Don Valley Parkway was reduced to a single lane as plows worked tirelessly to clear the accumulating snow. City crews are prioritizing highways and major roads to ensure access for emergency services, followed by transit routes and residential streets.
Even the snow removal efforts weren’t without incident. A snow plow struck a gas line in the Queen West area, prompting evacuations as a precaution while Enbridge crews worked to assess and repair the damage.
Toronto and Mississauga are actively deploying their snowplows, and their progress can be tracked online, offering a glimpse into the ongoing battle against the relentless snowfall. The city is bracing for a prolonged and challenging weather event.
