A powerful winter storm blasted through southern Ontario late Wednesday, leaving the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond awash with snow. By Thursday morning, communities were contending with at least 10-20 cm of fresh snow, making it one of the biggest snowfall events of the season. The inclement weather was primarily driven by a Texas low, which brought warm, moist air colliding with the cold Arctic temperatures already present, resulting in snowfall rates reaching 2-4 cm per hour overnight.
Toronto Pearson International Airport recorded 26 cm of snow, marking the largest two-day snowfall event since 2022. Meanwhile, Ottawa reported even heavier totals at 31 cm. Regions like the Niagara Area saw freezing rain complicate conditions, causing widespread power outages for nearly 3,000 residents. The storm’s harsh impacts prompted numerous school boards to announce closures early Thursday, prioritizing the safety of students and staff.
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) jointly declared all schools and sites closed for the day, with the TDSB encouraging families to enjoy their first snow day of 2025. "Enjoy your first Snow Day of the year," shared the board on social media. Similarly, the Peel District School Board (PDSB) confirmed its offices and facilities would be inaccessible due to the weather, cancelling all school-related activities including childcare and night school.
Other school boards, including Halton, Durham, York, and Hamilton-Wentworth, followed suit, citing unsafe conditions. The Halton District School Board and Halton Catholic District School Board announced full closures, reinforcing the necessity of prioritizing student safety. The Durham District School Board reported, "All buses are cancelled and all schools are closed for the day,” emphasizing the severity of the weather situation.
This weather event did not just impact schools; it also wreaked havoc on travel throughout the region. There were numerous flight delays and cancellations, particularly affecting connections between Ontario and Quebec. Major highways such as Highway 401 became treacherous, leading to multiple vehicles stranded or stuck as the snow accumulation increased. OPP Highway Safety Division advised drivers to avoid travel when possible, as plows struggled to keep up with continued snowfall.
"Drivers were urged to stay off the roads if possible until roads and highways can be cleared," the OPP reported, stressing the dangers posed by not just the snow, but also the slick conditions resulting from freezing rain. Buses of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) also ran behind schedule, struggling against the holiday season and heavy snowfall. Plow operations began as soon as the snow started accumulating, but conditions remained difficult for both road crews and commuters.
Later Thursday morning, snowfall finally began to ease, yet the city was still grappling with cleanup efforts. Images shared on social media showcased the sheer volume of snow across neighborhoods and the challenges faced by residents. From pets disappearing beneath hefty drifts to blocked streets becoming moments for both frustration and amusement, the community’s resilience shone through.
Local authorities have committed to continued efforts to clear streets and assist those affected by the outage. The OPP reiterated, "The plows are working to clear the roads; the snow continues to fall," reminding everyone about the conditions.
While many schools will remain closed through Friday due to scheduled Professional Activity Day and the Family Day long weekend, the regional impact is significant. This storm has not just interrupted education but disrupted commuting and daily life entirely.
Residents are advised to stay updated on local forecasts as the situation continues to evolve. Though the storm and its aftermath have wreaked havoc, community support and services remain at the forefront, ensuring safety is the priority as Ontario moves through this challenging winter storm.