A significant winter storm descended upon the Greater Toronto Area early Wednesday, January 15, 2026, delivering a messy morning commute and the potential for up to 30 centimetres of accumulation. The system, which is creating some of the most challenging conditions of the season, has led to widespread school closures, bus cancellations, and hazardous travel across southern Ontario.
Treacherous Travel and Widespread Closures
The storm's impact was immediate and severe. Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Kerry Schmidt described the morning as "messy," reporting numerous collisions and urging extreme caution on highways and local roads. Major school boards, including the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board, along with several universities and childcare centres, announced closures for the day. This decision affects hundreds of thousands of students and commuters, aiming to keep people safe amid the deteriorating conditions.
Visibility was drastically reduced as heavy, blowing snow combined with cold temperatures to create a perilous environment for drivers. CP24's live look from a news cruiser showcased near-whiteout conditions on many arterial routes. Police services across the region have responded to multiple collisions and are advising residents to avoid non-essential travel.
Storm Details and Regional Impacts
Environment Canada's warnings remain in effect, with the storm expected to continue through much of the day. Forecasters predict total snowfall amounts could reach 25 to 30 centimetres in some parts of the GTA, accompanied by gusty winds that will cause blowing snow and drifts. The cold air mass settling in behind the system means any untreated surfaces will quickly become icy.
The disruption extends beyond Toronto. Similar winter storm warnings are in place for a large swath of southern Ontario, with Ottawa also bracing for what could be its biggest snowfall of the season, with up to 25 cm forecasted. The widespread nature of the system is causing a domino effect of delays and cancellations for air and rail travel as well.
Staying Safe During the Snowfall
Authorities are emphasizing safety as the storm continues. Residents are encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbours, ensure heating systems are working, and have emergency kits prepared in case of power outages. For those who must drive, ensuring a full winter survival kit is in the vehicle, including blankets, a shovel, and extra windshield washer fluid, is critical.
Municipal crews are out in force, focusing on plowing and salting major highways and priority roads first. However, with the intensity of the snowfall, keeping up with accumulation is a significant challenge. The combination of this major snow event, cold temperatures, and ongoing clean-up efforts means travel difficulties are likely to persist throughout Wednesday and into the Thursday morning commute.
