Toronto is digging out from a significant winter storm that blanketed the Greater Toronto Area on Wednesday, January 15, 2026. Cleanup operations are in full swing across the city, but residents are being warned to brace for another round of snowfall expected to arrive by Friday.
Major Disruptions Across Transportation Networks
The storm's impact was felt across all major transit and road systems. Pearson International Airport reported numerous delays and cancellations as crews worked tirelessly to keep runways clear for departing and arriving flights. On the roads, a serious collision led to the closure of southbound Highway 400 at Finch Avenue, critically injuring one driver and snarling traffic during the morning commute.
Public transit faced significant challenges as well. While the TTC reported that subway service was running relatively well, both bus and streetcar routes experienced widespread cancellations due to the difficult conditions. In a separate but compounding issue, the Finch West LRT was officially closed due to pre-existing track issues, further complicated by the necessary snow clearing efforts.
City's Response and Safety Measures
In response to the crisis, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced the deployment of 100 additional staff members from other city divisions to assist with snow clearing operations. A city official acknowledged that the scale of the cleanup is massive and asked for public patience, stating clearly that "these operations do take time."
To protect vulnerable residents from the bitter cold, the city announced it would be opening two additional warming centres by 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The Peel Regional Police also issued urgent driving safety advice, urging motorists to travel with an emergency kit that includes gloves, an emergency blanket, and extra windshield washer fluid.
The storm forced the closure of most schools across the GTA, granting students an unexpected snow day. However, the fun may be short-lived, as a climatologist warned that the region is in for a long winter, ominously noting, "Count those snowflakes, we're not finished yet." An orange-level weather alert is expected to remain in effect even after the snow stops falling.
Looking Ahead to More Winter Weather
As Toronto residents and crews work to recover from this initial blast, weather forecasts are already predicting more snow to arrive on Friday. The back-to-back systems highlight a challenging start to 2026 and underscore the importance of preparedness for both individuals and city services.
The community spirit was on display as residents pitched in to help clear sidewalks and driveways. One exhausted but determined young resident, Carter Trozzo, was quoted saying, "It's gonna be a long day," as he returned to shoveling with a newfound appreciation for the arduous task.
