A significant winter weather event is impacting Simcoe County, Ontario, at the start of the work week. Residents are waking up to hazardous conditions and widespread school transportation cancellations on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Major Snowfall Hits the Region
Environment Canada has issued warnings as intense snow squalls sweep across the area. Forecasters predict that some parts of Simcoe County could receive a staggering up to 40 centimetres of snow. The heavy, localized snowfall is creating near-zero visibility on roads and making travel extremely dangerous.
In response to the severe weather, multiple school boards have proactively cancelled all school bus services for the day. The cancellations affect students across the county, forcing many families to make alternative arrangements. Local authorities are urging drivers to avoid non-essential travel and to exercise extreme caution if they must be on the roads.
Safety Warnings and Broader Impacts
Police services are issuing stern reminders about winter driving dangers. They warn that doing donuts in empty parking lots could lead to serious legal trouble, including charges for stunt driving. The priority for emergency services is maintaining clear access for snowplows and responding to inevitable collisions and strandings.
The disruptive weather is part of a broader pattern affecting Ontario. Ottawa is also experiencing a snowy start to the week, while a separate snow squall watch has been issued for the Greater Montreal area. These conditions highlight a volatile winter pattern across Eastern Canada.
Looking Ahead
While the snow is expected to taper off later in the day, cleanup operations will continue into Tuesday. Residents should stay updated through local news and official school board channels for information on potential Tuesday bus cancellations or school closures. The rapid accumulation serves as a sharp reminder of the power of Great Lakes snow squalls and the importance of heeding weather warnings during the Canadian winter.
