Toronto Grapples with School Closures After Unprecedented Snowfall
A historic winter storm has brought Toronto to a standstill, prompting the closure of schools and widespread cancellations across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The city is currently digging out from what meteorologists are calling a record-breaking snowfall event that paralyzed transportation and daily life.
Record-Breaking Snowfall Rates Paralyze the City
Environment Canada had issued warnings about peak snowfall rates reaching an astonishing 5 to 8 centimeters per hour during the height of the storm on Sunday, January 25, 2026. These unprecedented conditions created hazardous travel situations throughout the region, with visibility reduced to near-zero in some areas and snow accumulation occurring at rates rarely seen in the city's history.
The Canadian Press captured images of pedestrians struggling through deep snow in downtown Toronto as the winter storm intensified. The visual documentation shows the severity of conditions that ultimately led to the difficult decision to close educational institutions across the affected areas.
Transportation Chaos and Safety Concerns
The storm's impact on transportation has been severe and far-reaching. Authorities reported approximately 100 collisions throughout the GTHA, creating dangerous conditions for both drivers and emergency responders. The Canadian Automobile Association has been prioritizing assistance for customers trapped in unsafe situations, though resources have been stretched thin by the volume of calls.
Flight schedules have also been significantly disrupted, with Toronto's blizzard conditions creating ripple effects at airports across the country, including Vancouver International Airport where numerous flights have been delayed or cancelled.
School Closures and Community Impact
With safety as the primary concern, school boards across Toronto and surrounding regions made the decision to close schools on Monday, January 26. This precautionary measure affects thousands of students and families who must now navigate childcare arrangements amid challenging weather conditions.
Public transportation services have been operating on reduced schedules, with many bus routes cancelled entirely in the hardest-hit areas. Municipal crews have been working around the clock to clear major roadways, but residential streets may remain impassable for several days given the volume of snow that has accumulated.
Broader Regional Weather Patterns
Toronto's record-breaking storm is part of a larger weather system affecting much of eastern Canada. Environment Canada has warned that Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes could experience temperatures plunging to near -50°C with wind chill this weekend, creating additional challenges for recovery efforts.
The extreme conditions have prompted declarations of snow events in multiple municipalities including Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and North Dumfries as communities throughout southern Ontario contend with similar challenges.
Safety Recommendations for Residents
Emergency services are urging residents to exercise extreme caution when venturing outside. The risk of frostbite remains high in the bitterly cold temperatures that have followed the snowfall. Authorities recommend limiting outdoor exposure and dressing in multiple layers when going outside becomes necessary.
Motorists are being advised to check their car batteries, as cold temperatures can cause battery failure. CAA Quebec has reported expecting their busiest day of the year in response to weather-related vehicle issues.
As Toronto continues its recovery from this historic weather event, residents are encouraged to monitor official updates from local authorities and school boards regarding reopening schedules and ongoing safety advisories.
