Toronto buckled under a historic snowfall, transforming roads into treacherous landscapes and leaving a trail of damaged vehicles in its wake.
Sunday’s blizzard unleashed a staggering amount of snow, triggering a cascade of incidents across the region. Provincial police reported an astonishing 200 collisions and 150 vehicles stranded, helpless in ditches and snowdrifts.
Toronto Pearson International Airport measured an incredible 46 centimeters of snow, initiating a massive, city-wide dig-out operation that stretched into Monday. The sheer volume overwhelmed typical snow removal efforts.
“Plows are working tirelessly, but there’s simply nowhere to move the accumulating snow,” explained a police spokesperson. “Shoulders are buried, ramps are dangerously slick, and lane markings have vanished under the drifts.”
The storm’s fury claimed at least one life. A tragic crash in Kitchener, involving two sequential collisions on a highway ramp, resulted in a fatality.
Investigators described a harrowing scene: a driver lost control, careening off the road, over an embankment, and ultimately onto the highway below. This was the second vehicle to plunge over the same embankment since the storm began.
Beyond the highways, city streets, side roads, and even driveways remained impassable, choked by heavy snow. Authorities urgently reminded drivers to completely clear their vehicles of all snow accumulation.
Visibility was a critical concern. Drivers were advised to ensure a full 360-degree view and utilize their complete lighting system. Every journey demanded extra time and heightened caution.
Police issued a stark warning: if possible, avoid all non-essential travel. Allowing snowplows unobstructed access was paramount to restoring safe driving conditions.
The message was clear – patience was essential. Waiting for the plows to complete their work would ultimately lead to safer roads for everyone.
