A powerful winter storm descended upon Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on Thursday, January 15, 2026, creating treacherous conditions that led to the closure of a major highway and more than 150 reported collisions.
Major Highway Shutdown and Dangerous Roads
The significant snowfall and poor visibility prompted authorities to close the Don Valley Parkway (DVP), a critical arterial route through the city. The decision was made in the interest of public safety as the storm, which began in the morning, intensified throughout the day. Police and traffic services reported a staggering over 150 crashes across the GTA as drivers struggled with slippery, snow-covered roads and rapidly deteriorating conditions.
Officials from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) had urged drivers to "plan and prepare" before venturing out, but the storm's intensity quickly overwhelmed many. The message from emergency services and city officials became unequivocal: stay home if possible.
Widespread Disruption Across Southern Ontario
The storm's impact extended far beyond Toronto's highways. The system brought cold temperatures and up to 30 centimetres of snow to parts of southern Ontario, leading to a cascade of cancellations and closures.
Numerous school boards across the region cancelled classes and school bus services for the day. A long list of other weather-related closures and cancellations was issued for Toronto and surrounding municipalities, disrupting daily life for residents. The extreme conditions also prompted the declaration of snow events in the cities of Kitchener and Cambridge.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Warnings
With the DVP closed and multiple collisions occurring, emergency crews were stretched thin responding to incidents. The situation underscored the dangers of travelling during such intense winter weather. Forecasters warned that the challenging conditions would persist, with blowing snow likely to continue impacting visibility on roads across the province.
As of late morning on January 15, the situation remained fluid, with transportation officials monitoring the storm closely. The closure of the DVP, a vital commuting corridor, highlighted the storm's severe impact on Canada's largest city and served as a stark reminder for drivers to heed weather warnings and avoid unnecessary travel during major snow events.
