Toronto is working to recover from one of the most significant winter storms of the season, which slammed the region with over 20 centimeters of snow, leading to widespread disruptions.
Reports from Toronto Pearson International Airport confirmed 22 cm of snow accumulated by early Thursday morning, marking the heaviest snowfall for the city this year and surpassing the previous record of 15 cm set just days before on February 8. Vincent Sferrazza, the Director of Transportation Operations and Maintenance for the City of Toronto, noted, "This is the heaviest snowfall of the season, taking the record from the 15 cm of snow we saw on Feb. 8."
Due to the snow event, the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board, along with several other educational institutions across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), closed schools, prompting many parents to express concerns over the timing of notifications. Many students faced unexpected snow days just before the planned Professional Activity Day on Friday and the upcoming Family Day weekend.
With city officials declaring both "Major Snowstorm Condition" and "Significant Weather Event," transport services quickly mobilized to manage the treacherous circumstances. Sferrazza described the operations, stating, "We simply ask our residents to please be patient. This will be anongoing exercise." By 8:00 AM, all major roads had already been plowed at least twice, and efforts continued throughout the day.
Travel conditions can be particularly severe during winter storms, and the recent storm was no exception. Provincial police reported multiple collisions, with numerous drivers stuck in the snow across Toronto and the GTA. The Ontario Provincial Police advised, "If visibility is reduced...consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve." Officials are clear: staying off the roads is the safest way to support snow-clearing efforts.
At Toronto Pearson Airport, travelers faced significant delays or cancellations of various flights due to the conditions. Many passengers were urged to check their status online before heading to the airport, as the icy and snowy conditions continued to impact travel plans. Sferrazza reassured the public, explaining, "Complete snow removal will begin on Monday, and some hot spots will be targeted on Friday, but for now, we are focused on keeping major routes clear."
The cold temperatures and increased snow threatened to complicate conditions even more. The radiuses of the accumulating snow raised concerns about blowing snow due to wind gusts reaching up to 60 km/h and creating dangerous driving situations. Those winds contributed to reduced visibility significantly across the region, complicting efforts to navigate roads and public transit.
Toronto public transport faced considerable challenges, with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) confirming interruptions and bus service cancellations. Some buses skipped significant stops due to severe snow conditions. City officials encouraged commuters to rely on the TTC's services for safe transit options and to lessen road congestion. The public was also advised to check for updates on public transit services regularly.
Aside from road concerns, the storm's impact rippled through key local venues. The Toronto Zoo ceased operations for the day, emphasizing safety for animals and personnel amid poor weather conditions. Meanwhile, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada offered discounted tickets to entice visitors to still come out and enjoy the unique atmosphere even during the snowstorm.
Though the snowfall warning has since been lifted, Environment Canada forecasts unpredictable weather conditions, with warnings still active for regions outside the immediate city. The agency stressed the necessity for individuals to monitor persistent weather alerts as more storms may be on the horizon. Experts predict another bout of snow could hit the Ontario region just as families celebrate Family Day weekend, leading to continued challenges for travel and outdoor plans.
With temperatures plummeting to potentially -6 degrees Celsius and dangerous wind chills expected, residents need to prepare for sustained winter conditions. Sferrazza added, "Please help the snow clearing operations by staying off the roads. This will allow crews to clear snow much faster and prevent future delays."
The storm serves as yet another reminder of winter's unpredictability and the importance of preparedness and safety practices for both traveling and managing snow activities at home. While this storm continues to wreak havoc, Toronto can expect more winter challenges to come.