A major winter storm is impacting the Greater Toronto Area, causing widespread disruptions to municipal services and travel. Environment Canada has issued a severe orange weather warning, forecasting potential snowfall exceeding 50 centimetres, particularly in southern Etobicoke and Mississauga, with peak rates of five to eight centimetres per hour.
Service Cancellations and Travel Disruptions
The storm is already having a significant impact on transportation. Pearson International Airport has cancelled approximately 60 per cent of departing flights and 62 per cent of arriving flights over the next 24 hours. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has also seen substantial cancellations, with 23 departing and 22 arriving flights affected. The TTC reports 48 bus stops are currently out of service, and several subway lines are experiencing disruptions, including Line 1, Line 2, and Line 6.
Road conditions are hazardous, with Toronto police warning of slippery, snow-covered roads and urging residents to avoid parking on snow routes. A snowplow struck a gas line on Queen Street West and Niagara Street, prompting the evacuation of 40 people from nearby businesses and residences. The Ontario Provincial Police have responded to approximately 100 collisions in the past 24 hours.
Municipal Responses and Closures
The City of Toronto has declared a significant weather event and activated its major snow event response plan, mobilizing resources for snow clearing and emergency operations. Libraries throughout Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga are closed. Several universities, including the University of Toronto’s Mississauga campus and Toronto Metropolitan University, have also closed for the day. The City of Mississauga has issued a citywide parking restriction, suspending all street parking at 2 p.m. Sunday.
The Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board are monitoring the weather and have announced that any secondary exams cancelled on Monday will be rescheduled for Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of TTC service?
The TTC reports 48 bus stops are not in service. Service on Line 1 is down between Lawrence and St Clair stations. Line 2 is experiencing disruptions between Victoria Park and Kennedy stations, and between Jane and St George stations. Shuttle buses are running on Line 6, but there is no service between Finch West and Humber College stations.
What is being done to clear the roads?
The City of Toronto has activated its major snow event response plan and is plowing expressways and major roads. Crews are working around the clock to clear roads, sidewalks, and bikeways. Residents are asked to stay home if possible and to give crews space to work.
What is the parking situation in Mississauga?
A citywide parking restriction is in effect in Mississauga as of 2 p.m. Sunday, suspending all street parking, including temporary and monthly permits. Vehicles blocking snowplow routes will be fined.
As the storm continues, residents are encouraged to stay informed about changing conditions and to prioritize safety. It remains to be seen how long these disruptions will last, but continued snowfall and potentially freezing temperatures could extend the impacts into Monday.
