A powerful storm is expected to persist in the Greater Toronto Area overnight Sunday into Monday, bringing significant snow accumulation of up to 60 centimeters in certain areas. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and monitor flight statuses due to multiple flight cancellations at Toronto airports. The orange winter storm warning issued by Environment Canada initially forecasted 30 to 50 centimeters of snow throughout the GTA, but some regions, including Toronto and Mississauga, could experience over 60 centimeters of snowfall. The storm is projected to deposit approximately six to 10 centimeters of snow per hour at its peak.
As the storm progresses, heavy snowfall is anticipated to gradually diminish overnight, transitioning into flurries. Motorists are cautioned to watch out for snowplows on the roads. Temperatures are expected to drop to a low of -13°C with a wind chill of -22°C. Environment Canada advises individuals to prepare for rapidly changing travel conditions and to take regular breaks while clearing snow, as visibility may be severely limited at times due to blowing snow and winds reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h.
Ahead of the storm, Toronto had already accumulated 105 centimeters of snow this winter, nearly doubling the average snowfall between November and January. Meteorologist Kevin Cloutier mentioned that the record snowfall for a single day in January at Toronto Pearson airport was 36.8 centimeters in 1966, while the record snowfall on Jan. 25 was 13.8 centimeters in 2023. Environment Canada also cautioned that transportation and utility services in the GTA could face disruptions.
Toronto Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport experienced a significant number of flight cancellations due to the storm. Pearson International reported that 65% of departing flights and 64% of arriving flights were canceled within 24 hours, while Billy Bishop Airport had 30 departing and arriving flights canceled on Sunday, with additional cancellations planned for Monday.
The City of Toronto declared a significant weather event and activated its major snow event response plan, with over 600 snowplows deployed on roads and sidewalks, along with more than 1,300 city staff and contractors assisting in snow clearing operations.
As the storm progresses into Monday morning, light snow is expected to persist with a possibility of lake-effect snow and snow squalls in some areas. Commuters are advised to prepare for a slow morning commute, with a wind chill of -22°C in the morning gradually warming to -15°C later in the day. Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized the importance of community support in shoveling snow, highlighting the spirit of teamwork in Toronto neighborhoods.
In a news conference, the city’s manager Paul Johnson expressed concerns about navigating the city on Monday, urging individuals to allocate extra time for travel. All English GTA school boards have declared Monday a snow day, while French school district boards were yet to confirm school closures as of Sunday evening.
