A powerful winter storm descended upon the Greater Toronto Area early Thursday, January 15, 2026, creating treacherous conditions and widespread disruption. Forecasters predict the system could dump up to 35 centimetres of snow on parts of southern Ontario, with the heaviest accumulations expected in the GTA.
Dangerous Commute and Police Warnings
The storm made its presence felt during the morning rush hour, turning roads into hazardous corridors. Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Kerry Schmidt described the scene as a "messy morning," urging extreme caution from drivers. Multiple collisions were reported across the region's highways and major routes as visibility dropped and snow piled up quickly. A live look from inside a CP24 news cruiser showed vehicles struggling through the accumulating snow, with traffic moving at a crawl.
Widespread Closures and Cancellations
The storm's impact extended far beyond the roads. All school buses were cancelled across multiple school boards in the GTA, Ottawa, and eastern Ontario. Numerous schools themselves were closed for the day, prompting parents to make alternative childcare arrangements. The wave of cancellations also affected various municipal services and events, as cities and organizations urged residents to stay home if possible.
The Canadian Automobile Association issued a strong advisory, urging drivers to "plan and prepare" before considering any travel. Their recommendations include having a full winter safety kit in the vehicle, ensuring tires are properly inflated, and allowing for significantly extra travel time. For those who must drive, reducing speed and increasing following distance are critical.
Regional Impacts and Ongoing Response
While the GTA bore the brunt, the storm system affected a broad swath of the province. Environment Canada's warnings highlighted the potential for near-zero visibility at times due to heavy snow and blowing snow. Municipal crews were deployed in full force, focusing on plowing and salting major arterial roads and highways first, with residential streets to follow.
Emergency services reported being stretched thin responding to weather-related calls, including multiple vehicles stranded in ditches. In one incident, firefighters used a rope system to rescue a driver whose car had become stuck in a snowy ditch, underscoring the dangers of venturing out.
As of 9:30 AM EST on January 15, the snow continued to fall heavily. Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts and official updates from their municipalities and school boards for the latest information on closures, transit delays, and clean-up efforts. The community is encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbours and to avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve.
